A file image of the Jama Masjid mosque in Srinagar
| Photo Credit: The Hindu
The authorities on Thursday (February 13, 2025) closed Srinagar’s central mosque, Jama Masjid, in a bid to disallow nightlong prayers on the occasion of Shab-e-Baraat, where Muslims hold special congregational prayers. Kashmir chief cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq was also allegedly placed under house arrest.
According to the Anjuman Auqaf Jama Masjid, the caretakers of the mosque, the authorities “abruptly closed the gates of Jama Masjid, Srinagar and police personnel asked worshippers to vacate the mosque premises”.
The Auqaf said it was further informed that the observance of Shab-e-Baraat “would not be permitted at the Jama Masjid”.
Meanwhile, Mr. Farooq was placed under house arrest on Thursday (February 13, 2025) morning at his residence and prevented from carrying out his religious duties, the Auqaf said.
The Auqaf expressed disappointment over this decision. “It is deeply unfortunate that every time an important religious occasion arrives, people in large numbers who visit the Jama Masjid are left disappointed to find the grand mosque forcibly closed and the Mirwaiz barred from fulfilling his religious responsibilities. Such repeated restrictions not only hurt the sentiments of the people but also infringe upon their fundamental religious rights,” it said.
Meanwhile, Mr. Farooq, in a separate statement, said the High Court’s judgment regarding issuance of travel documents to a local whose kin was a militant “raises hope among those denied passports for years on the basis of their relationship”.
“Thousands of people – which includes the children and relations of militants, political prisoners and leadership in jails including mine – have been denied this fundamental right, cutting them off from educational and vocational opportunities. I hope this decision will be honoured by the rulers of the day,” Mr. Farooq said.
Meanwhile, Peoples Democratic Party leader Iltija Mufti condemned the move to close Jama Masjid in Srinagar. ”On the blessed occasion of Shab-e-Baarat Mirwaiz Sahab has been placed under house arrest and the gates of Jama Masjid have been abruptly locked up. In Kashmir not only are our fundamental rights to speech and expression muzzled but also the very right to freedom of religion. Criminal and sadistic. Shocked that the NC government is quiet as a church mouse. Which constitution are you following?” Ms. Mufti said in a post on social media platform X.
Published – February 13, 2025 09:48 pm IST