Srinagar’s Jamia Masjid Closed for Key Prayers, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq Under House Detention

Amid the holy month of Ramadan, authorities barred Shab-e-Qadr and Jumat-ul-Vida prayers at the historic mosque, drawing sharp criticism over curbs on religious freedoms.

• Authorities denied permission for Shab-e-Qadr and Jumat-ul-Vida prayers at Srinagar's Jamia Masjid, a historic center of worship and cultural identity.
• Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, the chief cleric of Jamia Masjid, was placed under house detention, further fueling public outrage.
• Political leaders, including Mehbooba Mufti and Omar Abdullah, condemned the restrictions, calling them collective punishment against Kashmiris.
• The closure follows a similar denial of Shab-e-Barat prayers in February, highlighting a recurring pattern of restrictions on religious gatherings in Jammu and Kashmir.
• Critics argue these actions undermine claims of normalcy in the region and violate fundamental rights to religious practice.

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