Mirwaiz Umar Farooq Restricted as Authorities Halt Friday Prayers at Srinagar’s Grand Mosque

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Srinagar: Prominent religious leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, who had recently been released from four years of house arrest, found himself confined to his residence once again. Authorities in Srinagar, prevented Mirwaiz from leaving his residence on a Friday, a decision that stirred controversy. The move was associated with concerns of protests related to the Israel-Palestine conflict, which had been a recurring theme in Mirwaiz’s Friday sermons.

The grand Jamia Masjid, a revered mosque in the Nowhatta area of Srinagar, was also closed on Friday, denying worshippers the opportunity to gather for prayers. The decision to close the mosque was taken as a preemptive measure by the authorities to forestall potential protests. However, official comments regarding the mosque’s closure were conspicuously absent.

In response to the closure of the mosque and the renewed house arrest of Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, the governing body of the mosque, Anjuman Auqaf, expressed “deep regret” over the actions of the administration. They further condemned the decision and lamented that the doors of the central mosque were closed in the morning, with no prayers allowed on this important religious day.

Mirwaiz Farooq, who had been released from house arrest on September 22, had previously led prayers at Jamia Masjid on the same day. The sudden restrictions on his movement and the mosque’s closure have generated controversy and sparked concerns about religious freedom.

Notably, the Israel-Palestine conflict had featured in Mirwaiz’s sermons, and the All Parties Hurriyat Conference, headed by Mirwaiz, had issued a statement expressing “anguish and grief” over the loss of lives in the latest escalation of the conflict. Mirwaiz asserted that Palestinians had been “gravely wronged” and were enduring suffering, including the loss of life, destruction of homes, and constant surveillance.

He also highlighted the historical roots of the conflict, tracing it back to decisions made during colonial rule, the consequences of which continue to affect the region’s inhabitants.

In the wake of these developments, anti-Israel protests erupted in the Budgam district adjacent to Srinagar after Friday prayers. The authorities responded by deploying police forces around major mosques in Srinagar to maintain order. Similar protests were witnessed in the Kargil district of the Union Territory of Ladakh.

The situation remains fluid, with the authorities taking steps to prevent unrest, while the religious leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and the closure of the grand mosque continue to be subjects of contention in the region.

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