Anjuman Auqaf  clarifies:  No ban on photography, permission needed for clicking 

Says men, women asked to use specific spaces while praying, denounces continuous detention of Mirwaiz Umar Farooq

Srinagar, Dec 16  : Anjuman Auqaf Jama Masjid Srinagar said that the minbar-o-mihrab (pulpit) of the largest place of worship in Kashmir—the historical Central Jama Masjid Srinagar — have fallen silent for the past three and a half years because the authorities have imposed unjustified and unlawful restrictions on Anjuman chief and Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Dr Moulvi Muhammad Umar Farooq and put him under house arrest, curbing his religion responsibilities as Mirwaiz.

The Anjuman also clarified that there was no ban on the photography inside the masjid but permission as needed for clicking pictures for professional purposes.

“Yet again Mirwaiz, who continues to be under illegal and arbitrary house arrest since August 5, 2019, was not allowed to go to Jama Masjid which the Anjuman condemns,” a statement issued to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) reads.

Anjuman Auqaf also in the statement issued today clarified being a place of worship visitors are requested to respect its sanctity as a mosque and observe decorum while visiting the mosque.

“It is not a public park or a recreational facility. So while clicking photographs visitors both local and outsiders should keep this in mind. For professional purposes permission needs to be sought from Anjuman Auqaf before taking any pictures or video of Jama Masjid.”

People should refrain from carrying food items to the mosque, and worshippers both men and women, should use their specific spaces while praying in the mosque, designated for both the genders, the statement added.

Meanwhile, Anjuman Auqaf has expressed deep grief over the demise of Muhammad Siddique Saudagar, a resident of Haak Bazaar Nowhatta Srinagar who was an pro active and enthusiastic volunteer of the organization and had close ties with the mirwaiz family.

The Anjuman paid glowing tribute to the deceased for his selfless services and expressed condolence with the bereaved family members, besides praying for Jannat-ul-Firdous to the departed soul—(KNO)