SRINAGAR: Anjuman Auqaf Jamia Masjid on Friday strongly condemned and expressed deep regret over the “unjustified” restrictions imposed by the state administration for the sixth consecutive year on holding the most significant religious gatherings of Muslims—Shab-e-Qadr and Jumu’atul-Wida—at the Jama Masjid Srinagar.
The Anjuman in a statement said that it is extremely unfortunate that the largest place of worship for the Muslims of Kashmir, the Central Jamia Masjid Srinagar, was closed down last night itself, and the Mirwaiz of Kashmir, Dr. Molvi Muhammad Umar Farooq, was once again placed under house detention at his residence in Nigeen since yesterday.
The statement said that people from all sections of society, without any distinction, are not only protesting this unjust action of the authorities but are also considering this undemocratic approach as an infringement upon religious freedom, deeming it unacceptable.
Meanwhile, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, who has been under house detention at his residence since yesterday, said on X (formerly Twitter). “After shab-e-Qadr, Jama Masjid Srinagar continues to remain closed to people and I under house detention, even today on Juma-Tul-Vida, when lakhs of people eagerly await the whole year to offer congregational prayers on this blessed Friday for great reward and blessing from Allah. Want to ask the authorities why is this most important centre of Kashmir’s religious identity and affinity repeatedly targeted and peoples fundamental right to religious practice curbed, when tall claims of normalcy are trumpeted every day? Those ruling in peoples name cannot absolve themselves from standing up to address this gross injustice towards Muslims of the valley and the repeated closure of #JamaMasjid.”