Authorities have prohibited congregational prayers at the historic Jamia Masjid for the second consecutive Friday, citing concerns of potential protests related to the Israeli military actions in Gaza. The grand mosque, situated in the Nowhatta area of the city, remained inaccessible to worshippers, as forces’ personnel were deployed to in the vicinity.
The Anjuman Auqaf Jamia Masjid, the managing body of the mosque, expressed their dismay in a statement. They reported that police had once again shut the gates of the mosque, announcing that it would not be opened for Friday prayers.
Furthermore, the statement revealed that Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, a prominent religious leader, had been prevented from attending the mosque for the second consecutive Friday.
“Since October 15, he continues to be under house detention and is not allowed to move out. Mirwaz deeply regretted the repeated targeting of Jamia Masjid Srinagar by closing it to Muslims on Fridays and disallowing them from offering obligatory Friday prayers,” the Auqaf said.
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq expressed his regret over the continuous closure of Jamia Masjid to Muslims on Fridays and the disallowance of obligatory Friday prayers. He stated, “Such measures belie the claim of normalcy that the authorities make.”
(with PTI inputs)
