Srinagar's Jamia Masjid Reopens For Friday Prayers After 10 Weeks

The Friday prayers remained suspended in view of apprehensions of protests over the Israel attack in Gaza.

Srinagar's Jamia Masjid

Source : Getty Images

New Delhi: Congregational prayers were held at Srinagar’s Jamia Masjid on Friday after remaining barred for 10 weeks, news agency PTI reported.

“The Friday prayers were allowed and concluded without any disturbance,” the news agency quoted an official as saying.

VIDEO | Srinagar's Jama Masjid opens for prayers after remaining closed for several weeks. pic.twitter.com/GkpMdin6QP

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 22, 2023

Although the prayers were held in the mosque, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, who delivers the Friday sermons, was not allowed to move out of his house in the Nigeen area of the city, PTI reported.

The Friday prayers remained suspended in view of apprehensions of protests over the Israel attack in Gaza.

The historic mosque, situated in Srinagar's Nowhatta area remained locked with security personnel stationed outside to maintain law and order.

As per PTI, Anjuman Auqaf Jamia Masjid, the managing body of the mosque, had said in a statement that the police personnel have closed the Masjid gates and informed that Friday prayers will not be allowed.

Expression dissatisfaction over the administration’s decision, Anjuman Auqaf Jamia Masjid in a statement said the Mirwaiz was not being allowed to carry out his “official religious responsibilities”.

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“Mirwaiz was not allowed to carry out his official religious responsibilities and authorities did not provide any reason for such restrictions,” the statement said, as reported by PTI.

The Auqaf further said that “detaining the Mirwaiz for the 11th consecutive Friday is a serious concern for the Anjuman Auqaf as well as the people whose emotions and sentiments are getting hurt by such arbitrary action of the administration”. 

According to reports, the authorities concerned had suspended the Friday prayers at the Jamia Masjid on October 13 citing concerns that the worshippers might stage protest against Israel’s attack in Gaza and express solidarity with Palestine.