Srinagar, May 21: Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir placed the Mirwaiz of Kashmir, Dr. Moulvi Muhammad Umar Farooq, under house arrest on Wednesday evening. The move comes ahead of the Fatiha Khwani, a prayer ceremony, scheduled to be held at the Martyrs Graveyard in Eidgah, Srinagar.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that access to the Mazare Shuhada (Martyrs’ Graveyard) at Eidgah has also been restricted by the authorities since Wednesday. The statement was issued by the Mirwaiz Manzil, the office of the Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir, on Thursday.
The office of the Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir announced the development through a post on the social media platform X. The post stated that ahead of the Fatiha Khwani at the Martyrs Graveyard Eidgah, Srinagar, Dr. Moulvi Muhammad Umar Farooq was placed under house arrest late last evening. It also highlighted that access to the graveyard had been restricted by the authorities since the previous day.
Dr. Moulvi Muhammad Umar Farooq, a prominent religious and political figure in the Kashmir Valley, has frequently been under surveillance and restrictions by authorities, particularly during significant religious or political occasions. The Fatiha Khwani is an annual event observed by the family and followers of the martyrs, paying homage to those who sacrificed their lives.
The Eidgah area in Srinagar is a significant historical and religious site, often a focal point for public gatherings and observances. The decision to restrict access and place the Mirwaiz under house arrest ahead of such an event has drawn attention to the security measures implemented in the region. Official statements regarding the reasons for the house arrest and access restrictions have not been immediately available.
The Fatiha Khwani is a traditional Islamic practice involving recitation of the Quran and prayers for the deceased. In the context of the Martyrs Graveyard, it serves as a commemoration of individuals who lost their lives in various historical conflicts and periods of turmoil in Kashmir.
The Mirwaiz is a hereditary position of religious leadership in Kashmir, and Dr. Moulvi Muhammad Umar Farooq has held this role for several years, continuing the legacy of his father and forefathers. His pronouncements and activities are closely watched, both within the region and by national observers.
The imposition of house arrest on prominent figures, especially during customary religious ceremonies, has been a recurring aspect of security management in Jammu and Kashmir. These actions are often attributed by authorities to maintaining public order and preventing potential escalations of tension, though they are frequently met with criticism from various political and social groups who view them as infringements on civil liberties.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
