Srinagar: Anjuman Auqaf Jama Masjid has informed that today, shortly after Asr prayers, the Auqaf authorities were directed by the police to close the gates of Jama Masjid Srinagar as permission to observe Shab-e-Barat has been denied by the authorities at the mosque. The Auqaf was asked to ensure that the premises remain closed for the night despite prior preparations for the sacred observance.
Auqaf expresses deep regret that once again congregational prayers on an important religious occasion could not be held at Jama Masjid and that Mirwaiz has been placed under house arrest. This continues a pattern since 2019 where major religious gatherings at the historic mosque are not allowed. Auqaf stated that this amounts to a blatant interference in the religious rights of the people.
In this context, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, in a post on X, said:
“As mosques across the region light up in devotion on this sacred night, Jama Masjid Srinagar stays shut under watch. Yet another closure, and I remain detained at home. Shab-e-Barat joins a long list since 2019 when prayers at the Valley’s largest mosque have been stopped by force. No reason offered, just locked gates and silence. For those who beat the drums of ‘normalcy’ and ‘Naya Kashmir,’ this contrast needs an explanation.”
Auqaf has strongly condemned this approach of the authorities and urged them to review this policy and allow peaceful religious congregations at the historic Jama Masjid on sacred occasions.
