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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.

Devotees offer Jumat-ul-vida prayers at the Hazratbal shrine in Srinagar on Friday. (Waseem Andrabi /HT)
The authorities have denied permission to hold prayers at the grand mosque in Srinagar, Jamia Masjid, on the auspicious occasion of Shab-e-Qadr, the chief cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq said on Thursday. (ANI File)

Overview

  • 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.