Srinagar: Hurriyat leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq was barred from addressing the Friday congregation at Srinagar’s historic Jama Masjid for the third consecutive week, drawing sharp criticism from locals and religious organisations. The Anjuman Auqaf, which manages the Jama Masjid, denounced his house detention as an unjustified interference in the religious rights of Muslims in the region.
In a statement, the Anjuman Auqaf highlighted the devotion of thousands who brave the cold to hear Mirwaiz’s sermons. “His continued detention at his Nigeen residence deeply hurts the sentiments of devotees and deprives them of their religious freedoms,” the statement read. The body accused the administration of disrespecting the religious sentiments of the valley’s Muslims through arbitrary measures.
Local worshippers expressed anguish over the restrictions. They complained that Mirwaiz was already detained for four years and despite claims of normalcy, he was not allowed to fulfil his religious duty.
Mirwaiz was released in September 2023 after four years of house arrest, which began on August 4, 2019, when Jammu and Kashmir’s special status was revoked. However, he was detained again in October 2023, reportedly to prevent pro-Palestinian protests after Friday prayers. The Hurriyat leader has since filed a petition in the J&K High Court challenging his detention, which he claims is baseless. The matter remains unresolved, as frustration grows among devotees over the continued curbs on religious freedom.
