Prayers in Srinagar Jama Masjid disallowed

Srinagar: The authorities disallowed Friday prayers at the Jama Masjid for the third consecutive week fearing pro-palestinian protests and Mirwaiz Umar Farooq continued to remain under house arrest.

The administration also placed prominent Shia Cleric Aga Syed Mohammad Hadi under house arrest to scuttle any pro-palestinian protests. Last Friday Hadi was in preventive custody as the locals in Budgam took out anti-Israel protests.

The Hurriyat, led by Mirwaiz, said that repeated closure of the Jama Majid and house detention of Mirwaiz are reminders of the situation in J&K and its fragile 'normalcy'. Mirwaiz was released from house arrest in September this year, after over four years. However, since the latest violence in Israel and Palestine, he was again places under house arrest.


"While no reason for these bans and bars was given, the reason seems to be fear of public support for the people of Palestine," read a Hurriyat statement.