Srinagar, Apr 5 (UNI) The local authorities disallowed the congregational prayer on ‘Jumat-ul-Vida’ (last Friday of Ramzan) at the historic Jamia Masjid and placed Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, the chief priest of Kashmir, under house arrest, the management body of Srinagar’s historic Jama Masjid said.

Anjuman Auqaf Jamia Masjid said Mirwaiz was to deliver a special sermon at the mosque on the occasion of Jumat-ul-Vida’.
The Auqaf said this was for the fifth consecutive year, the authorities locked the gates of the historic and central Jamia on Jumat-ul-Vida.

"It is extremely sad and unfortunate that the authorities locked the gates of Jama Masjid and didn't allow this great religious congregation to take place , causing great distress, anguish and pain . We the People of Jammu Kashmir protest this authoritarianism and direct violation of our religious rights, " the statement said.
Former Mayor of Srinagar Junaid Mattu condemned the disallowing of Jumat-ul-Vida at Jamia.


"Strongly condemn the disallowing of Jummat-ul-Vida Nimaaz at Jamia Masjid Srinagar today. A preemptive, generalized law and order practice in perpetuity at a cost of religious matters is a matter of anguish,” siid Mattu.
Mirwaiz was put under house arrest ahead of the abrogation of Article 370 and 35 A on August 5, 2019. After more than four years of house arrest, chief cleric Mirwaiz was allowed to move out of his house. UNI MJR SSP