Clerics at Srinagar Jama Masjid allege meddling after prayers disallowed

Srinagar: As the authorities in Kashmir disallowed prayers and Shab-e-Barat congregation at the historic Jama Masjid in downtown Srinagar on Sunday, the Anjuman Auqaf, running the affairs of the masjid, said it was "unacceptable" while calling it "interference in religious rights of people."

The authorities had locked the gates of the Jama Masjid and scores of devotees who had come to offer prayers on Shab-e-Barat here were diverted to other masjids and shrines.

Shab-e-Barat is observed by Muslims on the intervening night of the 14th and 15th days of Sha'ban, the eighth month of the Islamic calendar.


Authorities had deployed police vehicles at the locked gates of Jama Masjid while Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, who usually addresses the congregation on such occasions, continued to remain under house arrest.

"We strongly condemn the authorities' action... Such blatant violation of the religious rights of people and interference in their religious affairs is unacceptable. We strongly protest against this action," read the official statement of Anjuman Auqaf.

It further said that "silencing the most important religious centre" in Kashmir in days leading to the holy month of Ramazan is extremely unfortunate.

"People are extremely upset and heartbroken at how the authorities are dealing with their central religious place and their religious head," read the statement.

Last week, the J&K High Court had given the administration a "last and final opportunity" to reveal why Mirwaiz was being held under "house arrest" in Srinagar. The petition is now listed for March 6, 2024.