Authorities Seal Historic Jamia Masjid in Srinagar on Final Ramzan Friday
In a significant development on the last Friday of the holy month of Ramzan, authorities in Jammu and Kashmir implemented stringent measures by closing the historic Jamia Masjid in Srinagar and placing Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, the chief cleric of Kashmir, under house detention. This action effectively prevented him from delivering the traditional sermon and leading the congregational prayers on the occasion of Jumat-ul-Vida, the Friday preceding Eid-ul-Fitr.
Seventh Consecutive Year of Closure Sparks Outrage
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq expressed profound distress, stating that this marks the seventh consecutive year that the mosque has been forcibly closed on Jumat-ul-Vida, denying Muslims the opportunity to pray at this revered site. "As Israel has forcibly shut the gates of Masjid al-Aqsa during Ramzan, a similar painful reality is witnessed here. Our hearts bleed," he lamented, drawing a parallel to the restrictions in Jerusalem.
Despite the closure at Jamia Masjid, Friday congregational prayers proceeded elsewhere across the Kashmir Valley without major disruption. Thousands of devotees gathered at the revered Hazratbal Shrine to offer namaz, with former chief minister Farooq Abdullah notably participating in the prayers at this alternative location.
Management and Politicians Condemn Authorities' Actions
The Anjuman Auqaf, the body responsible for managing the Jamia Masjid, strongly criticized the authorities for locking the gates from all sides. In a sharp rebuke, they asserted, "Such restrictions not only hurt the religious sentiments of the people, but also amount to denying worshippers their fundamental right to pray." The Auqaf further highlighted that this approach has led to the "arbitrary closure of Jamia Masjid multiple times throughout the year, reflecting continued insecurities and an unjustified policy of restrictions on religious practices."
Adding to the chorus of condemnation, PDP legislator from Budgam, Muntazir Mehdi, denounced the move, stating, "Preventing Muslims from gathering at Jamia Masjid on this blessed day is both painful and unacceptable." Notably, the police have not issued any official statement regarding the closure, leaving the rationale behind the decision unexplained.
Quds Day Demonstrations and Solidarity Protests Across Kashmir
Coinciding with the last Friday of Ramzan, which Shia Muslims observe as Quds Day to express solidarity with Palestinians, several demonstrations were organized in various parts of Kashmir. The largest Shia procession was held in central Kashmir's Budgam district, where thousands of protesters marched after the Friday prayers.
The demonstrators carried posters of Mojtaba Khamenei and his father Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, while chanting slogans in support of Iran and its leadership. These protests underscored the broader geopolitical sentiments and religious solidarity prevalent in the region, adding another layer to the day's events amidst the ongoing international tensions involving Israel and Iran.
The simultaneous occurrence of the mosque closure, house detention of a key religious figure, and widespread protests highlights the complex interplay of religious freedom, security concerns, and political expression in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly during significant religious occasions.
