The Kashmir Pulse

SRINAGAR — The Jamia Masjid’s head cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on Friday led the congregational prayers after four straight weeks and stated that he has suffered personally for advocating dialogue.

As per a statement issued to the news agency KNO, Mirwaiz said that he and his family are being targeted as the "policy of harassment" is being pursued against him.

During his Friday sermon at Jamia Masjid, Mirwaiz said that the saddest part of life for him is being away from the pulpit of Jamia Masjid as "policy of harassment" continues to be pursued against him.

While urging the authorities to revisit this "policy of harassment" and "discrimination", Mirwaiz said that he and his family members are being targeted.

He also said by next week, a new government will be formed in India and hoped that whoever comes to power would take a realistic and humane approach to dealing with the Kashmir imbroglio.

He also said that he and the Hurriyat always believed that the Kashmir issue must be resolved through dialogue for everlasting peace in Jammu and Kashmir. "It is the course that I and my colleagues advocate and have always practised, even at the cost of harm to us. If lasting peace and progress of people is our aim, our approach should also reflect it.”

He also paid homage to Shaheed-e-Millat and the martyrs of Hawal on their 34th and 22nd martyrdom anniversary which was on May 21 and stated that because of his detention and cordoning of Eidgah, "we could not collectively pay homage to these martyrs."

He said that for four years, he has been detained continuously at home and since September last year when he was released, he is being detained and released again and again.

"It is a strange situation. After the series of propaganda attacks in 2018 alleging me of ownership of properties belonging to Anjuman Nusratul Islam, Auqaf Jamia, Darul Khair and in random places here and there, all proving false and unfounded, now an FIR is lodged against me and my close kin, in which they claim that land and house in which I live can be confiscated and I evicted."

He added that the land was purchased and the house was built by his late father through proper legal documentation in 1973, when he was born. "I am being accused of malpractice in it. What does one have to say about this? My brother-in-law, a dedicated, honest and respected senior civil servant, which everyone including them knows, is also being harassed because of the relationship."

Mirwaiz also said that besides the policy of seeking verifications and clearances from Kashmiris applying for jobs, passports, or identity cards is causing great stress among people, especially the youth. "People of Jammu Kashmir have the first right to jobs in their land and they should not be denied it on any pretext," he added.

Meanwhile, he expressed grief and sorrow over the bus accident in Akhnoor that killed 22 people and injured dozens. He expressed his heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured.

SRINAGAR — Mirwaiz Umar Farooq will today be allowed to deliver a Friday sermon at the historic Jamia Masjid Srinagar.

Sources quoted by the local news agency KNS said that Mirwaiz Umar Farooq will be allowed to discharge his religious duties at Jamia Masjid Srinagar today.

They said that Mirwaiz will lead the Friday congregation at the historic Jamia Masjid on the occasion.

"Mirwaiz will lead Friday prayers at Jamia Masjid Srinagar after four consecutive weeks of house arrest," they said.

SRINAGAR — Bidding adieu to the auspicious month of Ramadan, congregational Friday prayers were held on the Jumu'atul-Widaa (the last Friday of Ramadan) at revered shrines and mosques across Kashmir except for the Jamia Masjid Srinagar, which remained closed.

It was learnt by the news agency CNS that shrines and mosques in the valley on the Jumu'atul-Widaa witnessed a surge in devotees’ presence, who offered their Friday prayers, seeking expiation for their sins and bidding farewell with moist eyes to the ongoing Ramadan (month of fasting), which is drawing closer to its end.

On the occasion of the Jumu'atul-Widaa, the biggest gathering was held at Dargah Hazratbal, Srinagar, where devotees in large numbers participated in Friday prayers. JKNC President Dr Farooq Abdullah, Vice President Omar Abdullah, PDP President Mehbooba Mufti and Apni Party President Altaf Bukhari also visited the Hazratbal shrine and offered Friday prayers.

In Srinagar, the congregational prayers were held at Masjid Asar-e-Sharif, Janab Sahib, Soura; Jamiat-e-Ahle Hadith, Gawkadal; Asar-e-Sharif, Shehri Kalashpora; Ziarat Dastgeer Sahib, Sarai Bala; Ziarat Dastgeer Sahib, Khanyar; Ziarat-e-Makhdoom Sahib, Khanqah-e-Moula, and several other mosques and shrines.

Meanwhile, authorities shut the Jamia Masjid Srinagar for Friday prayers on the Jumu'atul-Widaa and did not allow Mirwaiz Dr Umar Farooq to deliver a sermon, which he was expected to address the devotees on the last Friday of Ramadan.

In central Kashmir’s Budgam, Anjuman-e-Sharie Shian said that a huge rally was held on Friday, with scores of women and children in attendance.

Addressing the gathering, Anjuman Sharie Shian President Aga Syed Hassan Mosavi Al-Safavi criticised the world community for supporting Israel in its oppression of Palestinians. He demanded that Muslim countries should come together for the Palestinian cause.

SRINAGAR — For the first time in almost five years since August 2019, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq was allowed to lead prayers at historic Jamia Masjid Srinagar in the holy month of Ramadan.

During his address, Mirwaiz appealed to all sects and organisations - religious, social or political to rise above personal and sectarian interests and ensure unity and brotherhood among the people of Jammu and Kashmir to preserve and protect its collective identity.

He said that the best way to ensure collectivism is by following basic human, moral and religious principles and values, otherwise fighting and oneupmanship will make us perish.

He also said that the youth are the future of this place and through pursuance of education and awareness, that will bring out their inner capabilities and consciousness, they can help shape a just and prosperous community.

Appealing to the authorities, he said that they should listen to the voice of people's conscience and unconditionally release thousands of Kashmiri political prisoners who are in jails in Jammu and Kashmir and all over India, as a goodwill gesture in Ramadan.

He said the condition of many prisoners, who are in jails for years on end, is very bad, causing great distress to people.

He said that it is incumbent upon authorities to address the issues of people including the lack of electricity that has increased the hardships for people especially in Ramadan, particularly for the poor who don’t have alternative means.

He said that authorities should address this issue at the earliest, as they have the means to do so. He said the condition of roads is pathetic making commuting a nightmare.

He said as this month is one of great blessings and mercy, people should make the most of it. “This month gives us the opportunity to reassess ourselves and take stock of what we are doing and how we are living and is it in order with the teachings of the Quran and Sunnah. It gives us another chance to realign our faith with the principles of Islam and follow them accordingly so that we earn the Raza of Allah in this world and Jannah in the hereafter.”

SRINAGAR — Hurriyat Conference chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq was on Friday allowed to offer congregational prayers at the Jamia Masjid here after five months, officials said.

“Mirwaiz was allowed to move out of his residence in Nigeen locality of the city here this afternoon,” an official said.

After leaving his residence, Mirwaiz reached the Jamia Masjid in the Nowhatta area of the city and offered the congregational Friday prayers there, officials said.

Mirwaiz was first kept under house arrest in August 2019 when the Centre abrogated Article 370. While he was released in September last year — after four years — and allowed to pray at the Jamia Masjid for some weeks, he was detained again in the wake of protests against the Israeli action in the Gaza Strip.

Mirwaiz had moved the Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh High Court against curbs on his movement.

The court on February 21 gave the “last and final opportunity” to the Union territory administration to file a reply on it.

SRINAGAR — Anjuman Auqaf Jamia Masjid Srinagar has said that the High Court has “reluctantly” given one week’s time to the Jammu and Kashmir Government to file its response to a petition over Mirwaiz Molvi Umar Farooq’s house detention.

The court stated that reluctantly and in the interest of justice, one week’s time as prayed for is granted for doing the needful, which however, shall be the last and final opportunity. The court listed the matter for March 6 and made it clear, if a reply is not filed, then the matter will be heard on the next date of hearing.

Meanwhile, Anujam Auqaf Jamia Masjid Srinagar has said that after Mirwaiz’s release in September 2023 after four years of ‘arbitrary’ house detention, he was only allowed to attend three consecutive Friday congregations in Jamia Masjid following the release.

“Since then, Mirwaiz has been prevented from going to Jamia Masjid on Fridays or addressing the faithful in any other mosque on religious congregations as the Mirwaiz,” it said.

“Whenever the Anjuman approached the authorities, they have dilly-dallied on the response, saying they will check with their higher-ups and get back, which they never do,” the Auqaf said.

It added, “Recently despite the important religious occasion of Shab-e-Miraj, Mirwaiz was again not allowed to go to Jamia Masjid. As the holy and important month of Ramzan is approaching when there are multiple religious events and congregations planned for Molvi Umar Farooq as the Mirwaiz, this approach of the authorities is concerning."

SRINAGAR — Anjuman Auqaf Jamia Masjid Srinagar organized Istisqa prayers immediately after the Friday prayers to seek respite from the dry spell, in which a large number of people participated and compassionately prayed to Allah for His mercy and blessings.

Prayers were offered in various mosques, dargahs, shrines, and imambaras of Kashmir for relief from drought and bad weather conditions. In these gatherings, the imams of the mosques and the scholars urged the people to seek forgiveness in the court of their Lord.

According to the statement, the prevailing weather conditions in Kashmir and the severe drought in this season have affected the agriculture and horticulture sectors as well as causing severe hardship and suffering to the people. Due to this dry weather condition, the winter tourist season of Kashmir is also getting badly affected.

Not only the water reservoirs of Kashmir have dried up, but people are facing several problems in the form of various diseases. "There is a need for the people of Kashmir to pray to Almighty Allah and seek His mercy and blessings," Anjuman Auqaf said.

SRINAGAR — Mirwaiz Umar Farooq today strongly denounced his repeated house detention, especially on Fridays, aimed at preventing him from delivering the Friday sermon at central Jamia Masjid Srinagar and participating in obligatory Friday prayers.

Mirwaiz in a statement mentioned that after his release on September 22, 2023 from four years of continued house detention since August 2019, he was only permitted to go to Jamia Masjid on three Fridays. Since then, every Friday, he has been put under house arrest without any reason provided by the authorities.

“Since October 13, Jamia Masjid itself was locked to people for 10 consecutive Fridays, and it was only last week that people were allowed to offer Friday prayers there. However, the duration of this permission remains uncertain while the ban on me continues. The authorities whimsically open or close the central Jamia Masjid to Muslims for prayers without accountability, and no one can inquire why,” he said.

He said this arbitrariness, disregard for religious rights and sentiments of Muslims, and strong-arm tactics of the authorities, even on the basic human principle of allowing the practice of religion uninterrupted, are telling signs of the time and situation we are living in. It also mocks the authorities' statements claiming that 'things are great in Jammu & Kashmir, and I am a free man who can go anywhere.'

Mirwaiz reiterated his belief that repression of any kind, including on religious rights, cannot bring or maintain "peace.” He urged those in charge of decision-making to revisit this policy, considering historical precedents and adopting a long-term perspective.

SRINAGAR — Authorities on Friday allowed congregational prayers at the historic Jamia Masjid here in Srinagar.

The prayers took place in the grand mosque after it remained locked for 10 consecutive Fridays.

Reports said that devotees in large numbers took part in prayers, while as adequate security arrangements were put in place outside Jamia Masjid to thwart any misadventure.

Meanwhile, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq was not allowed by authorities to lead the prayers as he was confined to his residence at Nigeen Srinagar.

SRINAGAR — Police in central Kashmir's Srinagar district have announced the arrest of 10 individuals who were allegedly attempting to disturb the peaceful environment outside Jamia Masjid Srinagar on Friday.

A police officer said that the 10 individuals would be charged under appropriate sections of the law.

The officer also appealed to the public not to engage in similar activities, as the law would take its own course.

SRINAGAR — Jammu and Kashmir Police on Friday said that regular uninterrupted Friday prayers are taking place at the historic Jamia Masjid every week.

In a tweet, Srinagar Police, as per the news agency KNO, said that Friday prayers are going on smoothly in Jamia Masjid (today). "Contrary to some statements, regular uninterrupted Friday afternoon prayers do take place at Jamia Masjid on every Friday."

Earlier, some statements were made by some leaders that the administration should allow Friday prayers at the historic Jamia Masjid.

SRINAGAR — Anjuman Auqaf Jama Masjid Srinagar has criticized the government for the three and a half years of detention of its President Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Dr. Moulvi Muhammad Umar Farooq, who was barred from offering 185th consecutive Friday prayers today.

Anjuman in a statement issued to the news agency KNO said that due to the illegal detention, Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir is prevented from delivering the Friday sermons and Friday prayers from the pulpit of the Jama Masjid which is a direct interference with the religious rights of the Muslims of the valley by the authorities.

“The continuous detention of Mirwaiz Umar Farooq is a serious concern for Anjuman Auqaf as well as the people,” it said, adding that public anxiety against his unjustified detention is increasing with each passing day.

"Severe disappointment is seen among the worshipers at the historic Jama Masjid Srinagar who come from cities and towns to benefit from the wise sermons of Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir," the statement said.

Anjuman urged the authorities to ensure the unconditional release of Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir on the arrival of the blessed and holy month of Ramadan so that he can fulfill his religious obligations in this blessed month.

SRINAGAR — Anjuman Auqaf Jama Masjid Srinagar on Friday expressed its deep regret that its head and the top religious leader of Kashmir, Mirwaiz Dr Moulvi Muhammad Umar Farooq continues to be under detention for the past three and a half years.

"As a result of this detention, he is unable to perform his official duties as the Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir," Auqaf said in a statement as per the news agency KNO.

Auqaf said that due to such action by the administration, the centuries-old Mimbar-o-Mihrab of the historical central Jamia Masjid Srinagar continue to be silent for the last three and a half years and the people yearn to see the grand mosque reverberate with the sermons of their beloved leader Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir. “However, the authorities are unmoved despite the repeated calls by the Anjuman and people from all walks of life to release Mirwaiz Umar Farooq.”

Anjuman said this behavior of the authorities is tantamount to interfering in religious matters and is seriously hurting the religious sentiments of the people, and this is evoking serious condemnation from all sections of society, while the people continue to express serious concern over the prolonged detention of their leader.

“Today is the 177th consecutive Jummah while Mirwaiz Umar Farooq has been forcibly prevented from performing important duties and official responsibilities like Friday prayers,” Anjuman Auqaf said, due to which a large number of people who come from distant areas to Jamia Masjid Srinagar for Friday prayers and benefit from the preaching of Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir, have to continuously return disappointed.

Meanwhile, special prayers were organized in the Jamia Masjid Srinagar to remember the services of Abdul Rauf Dalal, a leading jurist, the Mirwaiz family's well-wisher and friend of Shaheed-e-Millat, on his death anniversary.

SRINAGAR — All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) led by incarcerated Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on Friday said that keeping the Mirwaiz forcibly away from the pulpit of central Jamia Masjid Srinagar, which is the most representative symbol of the indigenous Muslim identity and tradition of Kashmir is extremely sad and tragic.

“This oppressive measure seems fundamentally aimed at gradually eroding the Muslim character of the state by undermining its Islamic practices, traditions, and symbols in the name of so-called ‘integration’. One fails to understand any other reason for silencing the pulpit of central Jamia Masjid since August 2019,” APHC said in a statement issued to the news agency KNO.

APHC said that “the fear of demographic change and disempowerment among people of Jammu and Kashmir gets further strengthened by such repressive actions.”

Expressing serious concern, APHC said that “the drastic changes brought to the land laws of J-K by the authorities in the name of “reforms” that end the owners' right to hold on to properties on the lease, and plans to outsource these properties afresh online is another attempt to disempower the citizens of J&K and take away their land on which they, by natural principle, have the first right and to settle outsiders here. It’s a grave issue as it affects the livelihood of lakhs of J&K people directly and indirectly associated with the tourism sector and people are greatly resenting it.”

APHC said that authorities should withdraw such diktats and not further add to people's woes.

Meanwhile, APHC said that arbitrary raids on people’s homes and organizations across J-K and arrests, especially of youth, continue unabated. “Besides killings and disappearances also continue in the world’s most militarised zone. The need for resolution of the Kashmir conflict is urgent as ever,” it said.

SRINAGAR — Anjuman Auqaf Jamia Masjid Srinagar has once again expressed concern over the fact that its head Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Dr. Moulvi Muhammad Umar Farooq continues to be under illegal and arbitrary house arrest for more than three years, saying that the authorities by doing so have barred the Mirwaiz from fulfilling all his official duties and responsibilities.

Anjuman in a statement issued to the news agency KNO emphasized that Mirwaiz has been barred from offering more than 160 consecutive Friday prayers at the historic Central Jamia Masjid Srinagar due to which the sadness and anxiety among the people and thousands of devotees are increasing with each passing day.

Auqaf said that the blessed month of Rabbi-ul-Awwal in which the birth of the holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW) took place is coming to an end while the Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir continues to be under detention due to which he is unable to discharge the centuries-old official duties the institution of Mirwaiz enjoins upon him. "This is extremely unfortunate and condemnable," it added.

Terming the release of Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir as inevitable, Anjuman Auqaf Jamia Masjid hoped that the authorities should now shun its dilly-dallying tactics and end the Mirwaiz's detention so that he can fulfill his long-standing duties towards the people and society.

SRINAGAR — Mirwaiz Umar Farooq was restricted from leaving home to lead Friday prayers at Jamia Masjid Srinagar.

Mirwaiz Manzil tweeted that Mirwaiz Umar Farooq has been barred from leaving his residence by a posse of security forces.

He was on his way to deliver the Friday sermon at the Jamia Masjid today, just a week after Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said he was 'free' to go anywhere.

Anjuman Auqaf Jama Masjid in a statement yesterday said that it is hopeful that its president and Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Molvi Muhammad Umar Farooq, who has been under house arrest, will be allowed to offer Friday prayers at historical Jamia Masjid Srinagar.

SRINAGAR — Anjuman Auqaf Jamia Masjid Srinagar on Friday said that the authorities did not allow Friday prayers at the Jamia Masjid Srinagar and locked it down, turning away men and women who had come to offer prayers at the mosque, which is very unfortunate.

“This morning, the magistrate and police personnel came to Jamia Masjid and informed the staff that no Friday prayers will be allowed. Later, the main gate of the grand masjid was locked by them,” the Anjuman Auqaf said.

It said that people, especially elders, women, and youth from far and wide come to this historic mosque and finding the mosque repeatedly locked down by authorities causes them a lot of grief.

The Anjuman said that its head Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Moulvi Umar Farooq is also kept under continuous house arrest, and not allowed to deliver sermons at the mosque.

SRINAGAR — Jammu and Kashmir Police on Saturday claimed to have arrested 13 accused persons involved in sloganeering inside the historic Jamia Masjid during the Friday congregational prayers.

“Yesterday afternoon, there were Friday prayers in Jamia Masjid wherein huge number of gathering took place, around 24,000 persons attended the Friday prayers, which is among largest in recent history,” a police spokesman said in a statement issued to the news agency Kashmir News Observer (KNO).

“After the culmination of the prayers, about a dozen persons started anti-national and provocative sloganeering for a while, this was joined by a couple of others as well, while most of the gathering remained aloof. There was also an altercation between the persons indulging in sloganeering and the volunteers of the Intezamia Committee of Jamia Masjid who tried to stop such sloganeering and hooliganism,” the statement said.

It added that this created a situation of ruckus inside the mosque, leading to clashes between them.

“Later, the hooligans were dispersed outside the mosque by volunteers. Even after coming outside from one gate, more than a dozen among them tried to provoke others by sloganeering which failed and in 2-3 minutes, they dispersed in hurry seeing police presence around,” police said.

A case in this regard was registered in Nowhatta PS under FIR number 16/2022 under sections 124A and 447 of IPC, police said, adding that during the course of the investigation, technical means were adapted to identify these hooligans and raids were conducted at different locations which led to arrest of two main instigators of the sloganeering, who were identified as Basharat Nabi Bhat, son of Ghulam Nabi Bhat of Hawal, Nowhatta and Umar Manzoor Sheikh, son of Late Manzoor Sheikh of Bahuddin Saab, Nowhatta.

“Both were apprehended and formally arrested in the case. Eleven (11) more accused were subsequently arrested in this case who were involved in the sloganeering and hooliganism inside the Jamia Masjid and at the gate,” police said, adding that many more suspected persons are being examined and will be formally arrested as soon as their role clearly comes forth in this case.

“PSA dossiers of all these accused are being prepared for booking them under PSA as well, in addition to the case," police said.

It added, "It also came out during the initial investigation that the accused in furtherance of a well-planned conspiracy had received instructions from Pakistani handlers of militant outfits to disrupt Friday prayers in Jamia Masjid and create law and order situation by provoking the attendees. Thus, section 120B was also invoked in this case.”

The spokesman said that investigation, in this case, is undergoing at a fast pace and some more arrests are likely.

Meanwhile, Srinagar Police informed all citizens that any attempt at disrupting peace will be viewed very seriously, and the strictest action under provisions of the law will be taken against all those who get involved in such illegal activities.

“In addition to this, no attempt at using religious places for furthering anti-national and militant agenda will be tolerated at all. Lastly, parents are also advised to keep a watch on the company of their children, indulging in such activities may cause irreparable damage to career prospects,” police said.

SRINAGAR — Over 3000 devotees participated in the mandatory congregational Friday prayers at the historic Jamia Masjid here in Old City area of Nowhatta where sermons were delivered after a gap of 30 straight weeks.

According to the news agency Kashmir News Observer (KNO), Imam Hai Syed Ahmad Naqshbandi, while delivering a sermon, demanded the immediate release of Jamia Masjid's head cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq.

Notably, Mirwaiz is under house detention since August 05, 2019, when the government abrogated Article 370.

The Friday congregational prayers ended peacefully at Jamia Majid today.

SRINAGAR — After a gap of over 30 weeks, the authorities today allowed the reopening of historic Jamia Masjid Srinagar for Friday prayers.

An official said that Jamia Masjid was reopened today after a gap of 30 weeks and Friday prayers will be offered today at the central Jamia Masjid Srinagar.

Meanwhile, IGP Kashmir Vijay Kumar and Anjuman Auqaf's General Secretary Mohammad Altaf also confirmed to KNS that Jamia Masjid has been reopened and Friday prayers will be held today.

On February 28, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, P K Pole, IGP Kashmir Vijay Kumar, SSP Srinagar along with other officials had visited the masjid to take review arrangements for its reopening.

The officials had also held a meeting with the Anjuman Auqaf regarding the reopening of Jamia Masjid.