On the holiest night of the Islamic calendar, Shab-e-Baraat, the Jammu and Kashmir Police imposed restrictions on congregational prayers at Srinagar’s historic Jamia Masjid. The move prevented the worshippers from praying at the iconic mosque in Nowhatta, Downtown Srinagar. In addition, the Chief Cleric of Kashmir, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, was placed under house arrest and was also to deliver a sermon.
After the congregation left at the end of the Asr prayers, security personnel at the mosque secured the gates and urged the people present to get out. That night prayers also would not be permitted was conveyed to the mosque management. The decision was criticised by various political leaders, including former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who termed it as unfortunate as it showed the authorities’ lack of confidence in being able to maintain order.
“It is very unfortunate that the security establishment has taken the decision to seal the historic Jamia Masjid, Srinagar on one of the holiest nights in the Islamic calendar – #shabebaraat,” Abdullah said in a post on X (former Twitter). “This decision betrays a lack in confidence in the people & a lack of confidence in the law & order machinery that calm won’t prevail without extreme measures. The people of Srinagar deserved better.”
The Jammu and Kashmir Police, however, did not issue an official statement to explain the restriction despite the wide criticism. But the Kashmir Zone Police also posted on X to wish people for harmony, happiness and prosperity on Shab-e-Baraat.
The mosque also said that police personnel suddenly closed the gates and ordered the worshippers to vacate the premises and that the Anjuman Auqaf Jama Masjid that manages the mosque also condemned the move. The organization said it was disappointed with the restriction, as it was a violation of religious freedom.
Join our whatsapp group for Latest updates