Mirwaiz claims house arrest, alleges denial of friday prayers for third week in ramzan

Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on Friday alleged that he was placed under house arrest and prevented from offering congregational prayers at Srinagar’s historic Jamia Masjid, marking the third consecutive Friday during Ramzan that he has faced such restrictions.

In a post on X, Mirwaiz said the restrictions were “arbitrary” and not communicated through any formal written order. He claimed that security forces deployed police vehicles and personnel outside his residence in the Nigeen locality, blocking surrounding lanes with barricades and concertina wires, effectively preventing his movement.

According to him, the measures were aimed at stopping him from delivering the weekly Friday sermon at the Jamia Masjid, a key religious congregation point in the Valley. He also shared images purportedly showing heavy security presence outside his residence.

Describing the action as indicative of “panic of the rulers,” the Mirwaiz alleged that religious institutions like the Jamia Masjid have long faced curbs. He asserted that such measures could neither weaken faith nor erase identity.

There was no immediate official response from the Jammu and Kashmir administration or central authorities regarding the allegations.

The Mirwaiz, who serves as the chief cleric of Kashmir and regularly leads Friday congregational prayers, holds significant religious and socio-political influence in the region. Restrictions on his movement, particularly during the holy month of Ramzan, have in the past drawn attention and criticism.

Authorities in the Union Territory have previously imposed similar preventive measures citing law-and-order concerns, especially around large gatherings at sensitive locations. However, in the present instance, no formal explanation has been issued.

The development underscores the continuing tensions between security considerations and religious practices in the Valley, particularly during significant occasions such as Friday prayers in Ramzan.