Srinagar, Mar 14 (UNI) Anjuman Auqaf, the managing body of Jamia Masjid in Srinagar, on Friday said that Kashmir’s chief cleric, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, has been placed under house arrest, preventing him from delivering the sermon at the historic mosque.
The latest restriction on Mirwaiz comes days after the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) declared the Jammu and Kashmir Awami Action Committee (AAC), headed by Mirwaiz Umar, and the Jammu and Kashmir Ittihadul Muslimeen (JKIM) as “unlawful association” for the next five years.
There was no official word from authorities on the restrictions on Mirwaiz.
In a statement, Anjuman Auqaf accused the administration of restricting the movement of Mirwaiz. They also expressed deep disappointment and regret over the house arrest of Mirwaiz.
“This arbitrary and unjustified move by the authorities comes at a time when the holy month of Ramzan is going on – a month of immense spiritual significance for Muslims worldwide. Jama Masjid is the central place of worship where thousands gather for Friday prayers, seeking guidance, blessings, and connection with the Almighty. However, barring the Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir from fulfilling his religious duties and preventing the faithful from benefiting from his sermons deeply hurts the religious sentiments of the people,” the statement said.
Anjuman said that it is distressing and disappointing for the people who come from far and wide to listen to his guidance.
“Such restrictions, especially during the sacred month of Ramzan, are completely uncalled for and go against the principles of religious freedom,” the statement said.
The Anjuman Auqaf had demanded that Mirwaiz be immediately released from house detention so that he can carry on with his religious obligations.
