Kashmir’s faith under siege: Shab-e-Barat observance blocked in IIOJK
Mirwaiz terms move part of pattern imposed in territory since Aug 2019
Srinagar: In Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, the authorities barred devotees from observing Shab-e-Barat at the historic Jamia Masjid in Srinagar.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the mosque’s gates were closed shortly after Asr prayers, and senior All Parties Hurriyat Conferenc leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq who is also religious head of the Kashmii people was placed under house arrest to prevent him from attending the night-long prayers.
Mirwaiz criticized the move of the administration headed by New Delhi-appointed Lieutenant Governor, stating it’s part of a pattern since 2019 where major religious gatherings at the mosque are disallowed. He questioned the narrative of “normalcy” and “Naya Kashmir” promoted by officials, given the restrictions on religious freedoms.
The Anjuman Auqaf Jamia Masjid also condemned the authorities’ actions, urging them to review their policy and allow peaceful congregations at the mosque, especially on sacred occasions. KMS-2K
