The management of Jama Masjid in Srinagar expressed disappointment as authorities prohibited Friday congregational prayers and placed Mirwaiz Umar Farooq under house arrest. Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, who traditionally delivers the sermon on the last Friday of Ramzan at Jama Masjid, was unable to do so this time. The Anjuman Auqaf Jama Masjid strongly criticized the closure of the mosque on the occasion of Jumatul Vida, a day when thousands of devotees gather for prayers.
The committee’s statement, reposted by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, condemned the continued closure of Jama Masjid on this significant day. It highlighted that the authorities locked the gates of the historic mosque and placed Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Dr. Moulvi Muhammad Umar Farooq under house arrest. This action prevented the congregation from observing the sacred occasion, causing deep anguish among the worshippers.
The restrictions imposed by the authorities have led to the arbitrary closure of Jama Masjid multiple times throughout the year. This approach has been criticized for denying worshippers their fundamental right to pray in the mosque. Mirwaiz Umar Farooq lamented the denial of the right to offer prayers at Jama Masjid for the seventh consecutive year. He drew a parallel to the closure of Masjid al-Aqsa in Israel during Ramzan, emphasizing the painful reality faced by the worshippers.
Jamatul Vida prayers proceeded peacefully in other parts of Srinagar and the Valley, with the largest gathering taking place at the Hazratbal shrine. Thousands of devout Muslims congregated at the shrine to offer prayers. Additionally, Jumatul Vida prayers were conducted peacefully in various locations across the Valley, including district headquarters, cities, towns, and villages. Authorities maintained a high alert in the Valley and deployed security forces to ensure law and order during this period.
