SRINAGAR (Kashmir English): In Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, the administration headed by New Delhi-appointed Lieutenant Governor once again barred devotees from observing Shab-e-Barat at the historic Jamia Masjid in Srinagar, in a clear violation of the religious rights of the Kashmiris.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the authorities closed the gates of Jamia Masjid shortly after Asr prayers, preventing worshippers from offering the night-long prayers associated with the sacred occasion.
In addition, Kashmir’s chief cleric and senior APHC leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq was placed under house arrest in the city to stop him from attending the prayers at the grand mosque.
Reacting to the development, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, in a post on X, said, “As mosques across the region light up in devotion on this sacred night, Jama Masjid Srinagar stays shut under watch. Yet another closure, and I remain detained at home.”
He further said, “Shab-e-Barat joins a long list since 2019 when prayers at the Valley’s largest mosque have been stopped by force. No reason offered, just locked gates and silence. For those who beat the drums of ‘normalcy’ and ‘Naya Kashmir,’ this contrast needs an explanation.”
Anjuman Auqaf Jamia Masjid
The Anjuman Auqaf Jamia Masjid was instructed by the authorities to keep the mosque closed throughout the night, despite having completed all preparations for the observance of Shab-e-Barat.
In a statement, the Auqaf expressed deep regret over the continued denial of congregational prayers at Jamia Masjid on important religious occasions.
It also confirmed that Mirwaiz Umar Farooq had been placed under house arrest. Strongly condemning the actions of the occupation authorities, the Anjuman urged them to review this policy and allow peaceful religious congregations at the historic mosque, particularly on sacred occasions.
The statement emphasized that such measures amount to blatant interference in the religious rights of the people of the occupied territory.
