Srinagar, Oct 21- Authorities have once again sealed Jamia Masjid in Srinagar for the second consecutive Friday, placing Kashmir’s chief cleric, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, under house arrest, as reported by the managing body of the historic mosque.
Although there is no official statement on the restrictions, sources suggest that the decision to disallow Friday congregational prayers at Jamia Masjid is due to concerns of potential pro-Palestine and anti-Israel protests erupting in the old city.
The Anjuman Auqaf Jamia Masjid stated, ‘Police officials once again closed the gates of Jamia Masjid & informed the Auqaf not to open the gates as Friday prayers won’t be allowed today. This is for the second consecutive Friday that prayers are being barred by the authorities.’
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, who was allowed to offer Friday prayers and deliver the sermon at Jamia Masjid on September 22 after four years of house detention, has been under house arrest since October 15.
A strong deployment of police and central forces was observed in and around the historic masjid to maintain peace in the old city and other sensitive areas.
Last Friday, anti-Israel protests were held in central Kashmir’s Budgam and Kargil district of Ladakh.”
