Historic Jamia Masjid Reopened After 10 Weeks, Thousands Offered Prayers

SRINAGAR (KIMS) — After the gap of ten weeks, the authorities in Jammu and Kashmir today allowed Friday prayers at the historic Jamia Masjid in Srinagar.

Thousands of people from across Kashmir valley came to the historic Jamia Masjid in Nowhatta Srinagar to offer the Friday (Congregational) prayers.

However, the authorities did not allow Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Dr Moulvi Muhammad Umar Farooq to carry out his official religious responsibilities for the 11th week in a row.

Anjuman Auqaf, the management body of the Jamia Masjid Srinagar has expressed resentment over the administration’s decision of not allowing Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Dr Moulvi Muhammad Umar Farooq to perform an important obligation like Friday prayer.

Anjuman Auqaf in a statement said, “Mirwaiz was not allowed to carry out his official religious responsibilities and the authorities did not provide any reason for such restrictions.”

“Detaining Mirwaiz for the eleventh consecutive Friday is a serious concern for Anjuman Auqaf as well as the people whose emotions and sentiments are getting hurt by such arbitrary action of the administration,” the statement said.

“Thousand of people come to the historic Jamia Masjid Srinagar from across the valley to listen to the sermon of their beloved leader but unfortunately, they have to return deeply disappointed after witnessing either the closure of the grand mosque or the detention of Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir, which is unfortunate,” the statement said. — (KIMS)