Calls for immediate release amid holy month of Ramzan
SRINAGAR: Anjuman Auqaf Jama Masjid Srinagar expressed deep disappointment and regret that its president and Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir, Moulvi Umar Farooq has once again been placed under house arrest, preventing him from delivering the Friday sermon and offering congregational prayers at the historic Jama Masjid Srinagar on Friday.
“This arbitrary and unjustified move by the authorities comes at a time when the holy month of Ramzan is going on – a month of immense spiritual significance for Muslims worldwide. Jama Masjid is the central place of worship where thousands gather for Friday prayers, seeking guidance, blessings, and connection with the Almighty. However, barring the Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir from fulfilling his religious duties and preventing the faithful from benefiting from his sermons deeply hurts the religious sentiments of the people,” the Auqaf said in a statement issued here.
The Anjuman said it is distressing and disappointing for the people who come from far and wide to listen to his guidance. “Such restrictions, especially during the sacred month of Ramzan, are completely uncalled for and go against the principles of religious freedom,” it said.
The Auqaf demanded that Mirwaiz Umar Farooq be immediately released from house detention so that he can carry on with his religious obligations as the Mirwaiz and guide the people, as has been the long-standing of tradition of Mirwaizeen in Kashmir.
The Anjuman also urged the people to continue their prayers and supplications in this holy month, seeking Allah’s mercy and guidance, and pray for “relief from such unjustified curbs”.
Meanwhile, in various major mosques, khanqahs and imambaras, Imams and khateebs strongly condemned the house arrest of the Mirwaiz on the occasion of the blessed month’s Jumu’ah and the restrictions imposed on his religious duties, the statement said, adding, “They demanded that the authorities should stop preventing Mirwaiz from fulfilling his religious responsibilities.”