Mirwaiz barred from offering Friday prayers

Srinagar, Jan 05: Chairman Hurriyat (M) Mirwaiz Umar Farooq was on Friday disallowed by authorities to deliver Friday sermon at historic Jamia Masjid.
Terming it as “choking of political space”, Mirwaiz wrote on twitter: “First Friday of 2018, again disallowed from offering mandatory Friday prayers! The practice of chocking all political space also extended to exercising fundamental religious rights! what a shame!”
Instead of Mirwaiz, it was Imam-e-Hai, Syed Ahmad Sayeed Naqshbandi, who delivered the sermon and flayed the state authorities over disallowing Mirwaiz from offering congregational Friday prayers at Jamia Masjid.
Naqashbandi alleged the state authorities of interfering in the religious affairs of Kashmir’s Muslim community and putting hurdles for them to follow the religious obligations.
“The Joint Hurriyat Leadership of Kashmir had only called for the peaceful protests against the Sopore incident. But instead of allowing them to protest, authorities have jailed the leadership of Kashmir. Barring Mirwaiz from delivering the Friday sermon is condemnable and shameful,” Naqshbandi said.
The chief Imam also known as Imam-e-Hai of Kashmir demanded the release of the political prisoners in Kashmir including Masarat Alam Bhat and others. He added that the state is using all tactics to crush the voice of dissent in Kashmir. “But the people have resolved that they will oppose such tactics and will continue to fight for justice and Kashmir resolution,” Naqashbandi said.