Administration put Mirwaiz Umar Farooq under house arrest, historic Jamia Masjid also closed

Fearing protests, the administration has placed prominent religious leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq under house arrest and closed the historic Jamia Masjid ahead of Jumat-ul-Vida on the last Friday of Ramadan. Jummat-ul-Wida is celebrated as Yaum-e-Quds (QUDS Day) which symbolizes a global solidarity campaign with the people of Palestine.

Anjuman Auqaf Jamia Masjid, the managing body of the mosque in Nowhatta, said the district magistrate and police officials visited on Friday morning and directed them to close the gate as ‘Jumaat-ul-Vida prayers will not be allowed.’ It also mentioned that Mirwaiz Maulvi Umar Farooq has been placed under house arrest at his residence in Nigeen Hazratbal.

In an earlier meeting, Mirwaiz directed Auqaf officials and staff to execute their duties diligently, with emphasis on internal arrangements for occasions like Jummat-ul-Wida, Shab-e-Qadr and Eid-ul-Fitr. Given so that there is no inconvenience or complaint.

Jummat ul Vida prayers have not been allowed in the mosque for the last five years after the abrogation of Article 370 on August 5, 2019. Sources said officials have directed security forces not to allow marches in solidarity with Palestine anywhere in the Kashmir Valley.

Jummat ul Wida is celebrated on the last Friday of Ramadan which holds great significance for Muslims around the world. Even in the Kashmir valley, massive congregations are held in major mosques and thousands of devotees throng the mosques.