SRINAGAR, SEPT 27 (Agencies): Hurriyat Chairman and Chief Cleric of Kashmir, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, was placed under house detention once again, preventing him from addressing the Friday congregation at Jama Masjid in downtown Srinagar. This information was confirmed by the mosque’s managing body, Anjuman Auqaf.
The Anjuman Auqaf Jama Masjid condemned the ongoing house arrest, stating, “Today marks the fourth consecutive Friday that Mirwaiz has been barred from offering prayers and delivering his sermon at the historic Jamia Masjid. This continued restriction on a revered leader’s religious duties is deeply disturbing and unacceptable.”
According to the Anjuman, Mirwaiz has filed a rejoinder in court regarding his detention. The statement expressed dismay at the government’s claim that Mirwaiz is ‘free,’ while he is consistently prevented from attending the mosque on Fridays. “This situation reflects the government’s lack of accountability to the people and their religious sentiments,” the statement added.
The Anjuman further criticized the disparity between the government’s promises of a ‘Naya Kashmir’ and the current reality, where the voice of peace and spiritual guidance is silenced.
The Anjuman Auqaf demanded the immediate release of Mirwaiz from house detention and the restoration of his rights, as well as the rights of the Kashmiri people. They called on citizens and human rights organizations to raise their voices against what they described as an injustice.
