Mirwaiz under house arrest, Jamia Masjid sealed amid intensifying restrictions in IIOJK
Muslims worldwide grieved over US-Israeli aggression, Mirwaiz voices solidarity with Iran, Palestinians
Srinagar: In Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, senior All Parties Hurriyat Conference leader, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, has been placed under house arrest in Srinagar, preventing him from offering Friday prayers and from participating in pro-Iran and anti-US, anti-Israel demonstrations. Authorities have also sealed the historic Jamia Masjid in Srinagar, closing it for congregational Friday prayers.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the APHC had called for peaceful protests after Friday prayers against the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the US-Israeli aggression, and the harsh restrictions imposed by the Indian authorities in the occupied territory. These measures have been in effect for the past five days to suppress demonstrations against Israeli and American actions targeting Iran.
Mirwaiz expressed deep concern over the ongoing restrictions, noting that they have been heightened during these greatly blessed days of Ramadan, when thousands come to mosques seeking blessings and guidance. In a statement on X, he said, “All lanes and by-lanes leading to the Jamia Masjid have been barricaded. This is very sad and unfortunate,” adding he has also been placed under house arrest.
He highlighted that the grief and sadness felt in Kashmir today extends beyond these restrictions. “Muslims across the world are aggrieved and deeply anxious by Israeli and American aggression in the region. Israel and America want to reshape the region to suit their interests, and for this they are willing to go to any extent, as seen in the brutal killing of the head of a country and great spiritual leader, Ayatullah Khamenei and the attack on a sovereign nation, plunging the entire region into a crisis and grief.”
Mirwaiz added that across IIOJK, from the Valley to Jammu to Kargil, people have voiced condemnation of this aggression and expressed solidarity in one voice, beyond divisions as one Ummah, emphasizing that the Muslim community cannot be divided in moments like this when injustice is inflicted upon a part of it, because “pain felt by one part is felt by the entire body.”
He said, “As Mirwaiz, I stand in heartfelt solidarity with the people of Iran, Palestinians and all those who are bearing the brunt of this aggression in the region and beyond. All human lives are precious, and wars and violence are man-made catastrophes that cause loss of precious lives.”
Concluding his statements, Mirwaiz prayed to Allah to protect all, grant patience to those who mourn, bring swift justice to the oppressors and liberate the oppressed.
