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 — 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 — In a move aimed at ensuring clarity and consensus on the sighting of the upcoming Holy Ramadan and Eid-ul-Fitr crescent in Jammu and Kashmir, a prominent scholarly committee has been established under the leadership of Grand Mufti Mufti Nasir-ul-Islam Farooqi.

The committee, spearheaded by Mufti Farooqi and comprising notable religious figures including Mirwaiz Kashmir Moulvi Umar Farooq, will evaluate the credibility of witnesses reporting crescent sightings across the region, as confirmed by a communiqué obtained by The Kashmir Pulse.

The decision to form this committee comes in the wake of last year's reported discrepancies in crescent sightings during Ramadan, aiming to mitigate confusion among the populace. Mufti Nasir-ul-Islam Farooqi clarified that the committee was exclusively constituted by the Muslim Personal Law Board, dismissing rumours of involvement from other quarters.

The committee's members, spread across various districts of Jammu and Kashmir, will remain in constant communication to swiftly report any crescent sightings to Mufti Farooqi or designated committee members. Once witnesses come forward, the scholars will meticulously assess their reliability before making an official announcement.

A long list of committee members from different regions, including Srinagar, Ganderbal, Bandipora, Baramulla, Kupwara, Budgam, Kulgam, Anantnag, Jammu, Pulwama, Shopian, Samba, Kathua, Ramban, Rajouri, Poonch, Reasi, and Leh/Ladakh, underscores the broad representation and concerted effort to ensure a thorough evaluation process.

SRINAGAR — Anjuman Auqaf Jamia Masjid Srinagar has strongly condemned the continuous disallowing Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Dr Moulvi Muhammad Umar Farooq from delivering sermons and leading Friday prayers at the historic central Jamia Masjid by the state administration, without any reasonable justification.

The Auqaf in a statement issued to the news agency KNO said Mirwaiz was placed under house arrest on the holy day of Mehraj-ul-Alam as well as today, the second Friday of Mehraj-ul-Alam.

The administration is deliberately and without assigning any reason preventing Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir from performing his official and religious duties, it said, adding that such actions are hurting the religious sentiments and emotions of the Muslims here.

These arbitrary actions by the authorities are a disregard for the religious rights and sentiments of Muslims. By denying permission to practice one’s religion, which is a basic human and fundamental right, the authorities are making a mockery of their lofty claims and statements.

The Auqaf has expressed hope that the administration would immediately shun the undemocratic policy of disallowing Mirwaiz Umar Farooq from performing his duties on Fridays and free him from the shackles of unlawful house arrest so that he fulfils his official and religious responsibilities.

SRINAGAR — Anjumam Auqaf Jamia Masjid Srinagar said that Mirwaz Umar Farooq was again put under house arrest today ahead of the Friday congregation in Jamia Masjid.

Mirwaz was scheduled to give a special sermon today on the occasion of Shab-e-Mehraj at Jamia Masjid, as had been announced by the Auqaf. A large gathering of people was expected at the mosque to hear the Mirwaiz’s sermon and participate in the blessed congregation.

However, early in the morning, a contingent of police vehicles was stationed outside his residence and he was detained.

In a statement, Anjuman said that it strongly denounces the repeated house arrest of Mirwaiz, especially on Friday, disabling him from visiting the Jamia Masjid to deliver the Friday sermon and participate in the mandatory Friday prayers.

It is pertinent to mention that since his release from house arrest in September last year, Mirwaiz has been allowed to deliver Friday sermons on three Fridays only.

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 — Advising people to have faith and believe that there is always light at the end of the tunnel, Kashmir Mirwaiz Dr Molvi Muhammad Umar Farooq during his Friday sermon after over 4 years at historic Jamia Masjid said that he is well aware that people are going through a rough phase since August 2019 as there have been assaults on peoples identity.

“The abrogation of Article 370 and 35A , the downgrading of J&K into a union territory from a state, the dismemberment of Ladakh from it and post that new laws and diktats being imposed incessantly through the Reorganization Act, unfortunately, are harsh unilateral decisions of disempowerment,” he said adding that he is out from the incarceration because of the peoples prayers who are very close to his heart.

“I was placed under detention in my home by the authorities and not allowed to move out or to meet with people. All my rights and liberties were curtailed. Despite repeated appeals from one and all, I was not released. And finally after taking this matter to the court, yesterday I was informed by the police officials who came to visit me that authorities had decided to release me from house detention and allow me to go to Jamia Masjid tomorrow.”

Mirwaiz Umar Farooq said: “I am here today after 4 long years. It is a very emotional moment for me. I thank Almighty Allah that he made it possible and once again today I am in Jamia, among you.”

He said that the institution of the Mirwaiz believes in outreach. It believes in dialogue and reason. It is incumbent upon the Mirwaiz to convey the truth to power and to people and play his role in the interest of people and peace. History is witness to the fact that the Mirwaiz has always propagated dialogue and accord, even at the cost of personal loss and suffering.

Mirwaiz Umar Farooq said that despite being under house arrest, APHC has all along since early 2020 when the communication ban was gradually lifted from the valley post the August 2019 changes, been voicing its anguish over the developing situation. But due to the gag on its statements, especially in the local media both electronic and print, our voice is not allowed to be heard. “So in the current time when there is absolutely no space for us, or for the expression of our opinion and aspirations and our concerns, what can we do? This is the time to conserve, be patient, act responsibly, and repose complete faith in God who is the all-powerful Almighty. We have to hold on tightly to the rope of faith and belief. As the Quran guides us “and hold fast by the rope of Allah all together and be not disunited”

“I and my colleagues in APHC have always believed that by virtue of the fact that a part of J&K is in India, a part with Pakistan, and some part with China too, makes the state of Jammu and Kashmir as its existed in August 1947 and its people divided, and so an issue which has to be addressed and resolved. This is a fact. The international community has ratified this too. Families and friends living on different sides divided by an artificial line want to meet and share their lives, share their happiness with each other, and mourn their loss together. This is a human problem for us the people of Jammu and Kashmir, not a territorial tug of war. We also want to move beyond it,” Mirwaiz Umar Farooq who gave a sermon after 212 Fridays said.

He said: “As PM Modi rightly said this is not an era of war. We have always believed and participated in efforts of resolution through an alternative to violent means which is dialogue and reconciliation. We have personally suffered for pursuing this route. We are not so-called separatists or peace disrupters but realist resolution seekers. We have no personal ambition but to represent the interests and aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir who are our basic concern. People want settlement and peace bringing prosperity with it, but on peoples terms.”

He said: “We believe in peaceful coexistence between communities and nations between the strong and the weak, between the majority and the minority. We have always advocated the return of Kashmiri pandits and disapproved of making this human issue a political one. Stern approach to dealing with issues is a dangerous thing. It leads to human rights violations. Dozens of our leaders, men and women are languishing in jails for years, thousands of young men and boys, journalists and scribes, human rights activists, and lawyers are suffering incarceration. They need to be released as soon as possible. Their health and families are suffering.”

He said his youth are the wealth of the nation and he respects their feelings. “But , I request you to be patient and have faith, and strengthen your connection with the almighty and his Messenger. That is the key to survival and success. I would also like to express gratitude to all people including, politicians of all hues, Ulemas, traders, civil society members, and others across the board from all regions of JK, who repeatedly asked for my release on various occasions,” Mirwaiz concluded.

SRINAGAR — Emotional scenes were witnessed at the historic Jamia Masjid as Kashmir’s head priest Mirwaiz Umar Farooq returned to the pulpit of the grand masjid after a gap of four years.

Mirwaiz couldn’t control his emotions and broke down. People who were present at the masjid in hundreds of numbers were seen crying. Mirwaiz delivered the Friday congregational sermon at the historic masjid for the first time after August 5, 2019, when Centre rolled back Article 370 and sliced the erstwhile State of J&K into two Union Territories—J&K and Ladakh.

“The day is no less than Eid for us as Mirwaiz is among us for the first time after a long gap,” said a group of worshipers inside Jamia Masjid. Many were seen praying for Mirwaiz’s health while some asserted that their prayers get answered when Mirwaiz raises his hands towards Almighty Allah. “He (Mirwaiz) is a spiritual leader. We are so happy to see him back,” a group of women told KNO as tears rolled down on their cheeks.

Addressing the gathering, emotionally charged Mirwaiz, as per news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said: "It is all because of the prayers of people that I am here again to deliver the sermon. It was quite difficult for me to stay away from the pulpit for four years. As a Mirwaiz, I have the responsibility to raise the voice for the people.”

Reacting to the statement of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the Ukraine issue, Mirwaiz said that he was right in saying that the present era is not of war. "We are following the path of peace, we had to bear difficulties, but unfortunately, we were branded as separatists, anti-national and anti-peace.”

Mirwaiz said that he doesn’t have any personal ambitions. "It is because of our peaceful mission that we continued to appeal for the return of Kashmiri migrants," he said.

He also demanded release of all political prisoners, journalists, lawyers, civil society members and the youth as well. After delivering sermons, Mirwaiz appealed to the gathering to leave the Jamia Masjid peacefully and also appealed to the youth to stay calm, maintain peace and to have faith.

Kashmir’s head priest also said that he believes in peaceful coexistence between communities and nations between the strong and the weak, between the majority and the minority. “We have always advocated the return of Kashmiri Pandits and disapproved of making this human issue a political one. Stern approaches to deal with issues are dangerous things. It leads to human Rights violations,” he said.

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 — Special prayers were organized in all the major mosques, shrines and imambarahs of the valley including the historic Central Jama Masjid Srinagar, for those who lost their lives in the devastating earthquake that hit Turkey and Syria earlier this week in which the death toll crossed over 21,000 and injuries to innumerable people.

At Jamia Masjid Srinagar, the prayers were led by Imam Hai Moulana Ahmad Saeed Naqshbandi who, on behalf of the people of Kashmir, expressed sympathy and solidarity with the people of Turkey and Syria and prayed for eternal peace to the departed souls and speedy recovery to those injured.

He also expressed strong resentment against the authorities for keeping the valley’s top religious leader Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Dr. Moulvi Muhammad Umar Farooq continuously under detention for the last three and a half years and termed it extremely unfortunate and condemnable.

He said that due to the continued detention of Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir, the mimbar-o-mihrab (pulpit) of the Central Jama Masjid has been constantly silent for all these years and he is also unable to discharge his religious duties towards the people.

Imam Naqshbandi appealed to the authorities to end the prolonged and unjustified detention of Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir and release him before Shah-e Me’raj-ul-Nabi (SAW).

On the occasion, the people who had come from various parts of the valley to perform Friday prayers in the Jamia Masjid also expressed great anger against the continued detention of Mirwaiz and protested against the dictatorial behavior of the authorities.

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 — All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) said that some mischief makers and agencies with vested interests are planting fake stories in some Jammu-based newspapers about incarcerated APHC chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq meeting with a former Deputy Mayor of Srinagar and joining so called "mainstream politics".

APHC in a statement said that these deliberate and malicious falsehoods peddled by vested interests are strongly denounced and rubbished. It urged people to be vigilant and alert of this "spiteful propaganda and lies being peddled by vile and unscrupulous elements."

“Mirwaiz Umar for more than three years now is bearing the hardships and trials of incarceration without any charges, because he believes and stands firm on his and his predecessors’ commitment to advocate the aspirations of people of J&K for the resolution of the Kashmir dispute peacefully and justly, through dialogue among the stakeholders," the statement added.

It further added, "And like his predecessors is suffering incarceration for standing firm on that political belief."

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 — Anjuman Auqaf Jamia Masjid Srinagar on Friday said that once again, its head and Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir, Dr Moulvi Muhammad Umar Farooq, who continues to be under house detention for the last more than three years since August 2019, was not allowed to leave his house to offer Friday prayers and hold Majlis-e-Waz at Jamia Masjid.

Anjuman in a statement issued to the news agency KNO said that additional forces and police have been deployed around Mirwaiz Manzil Nigeen, the residence of Mirwaiz since morning.

Anjuman reminded the authorities to stand up to the statement of Lt Governor Manoj Sinha that Mirwaiz is free and can go anywhere.

Anjuman Auqaf Jamia Masjid said that people are waiting for the LG's statement to be executed on the ground, as they are eagerly awaiting his release from house detention.

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.