Authorities closed Kashmir’s Jamia Masjid on Friday in view of apprehensions of protests over the Israel-Palestine war. Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, recently released from house arrest after four years, was not allowed to leave his residence to give the sermon.
Muslims and activists around the world have staged pro-Palestine solidarity activities on the first Friday after the latest escalation began on October 07.
Jamia Masjid in downtown Srinagar is considered the epicentre of Kashmir’s politics. The mosque remained shutdown for weeks after the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019.
A large population of Kashmir have in the recent past displayed their sympathies for the Palestinian cause.
The action came after the All Parties Hurriyat Conference, headed by Mirwaiz, issued a statement expressing “anguish and grief” over the loss of lives in the latest escalation in the Palestinian-Israel war.
On Wednesday, Mirwaiz stated that Palestinians have been “gravely wronged” and are suffering.
“Youth, women and even children are being killed, their homes are bombed and destroyed, they are subjected to humiliation and surveillance all the time, their livelihood is fast dwindling,” he said.
Anjuman Auqaf Jama Masjid Srinagar expressed deep regret and surprise over the administration’s action and said that the authorities closed all the doors of the central mosque since morning and informed the Auqaf administration that Friday prayers will not be offered.
According to The Indian Express, anti-Israel protests broke out in Badgam district. Kargil district in the UT of Ladakh also witnessed anti-Israel protests after the Friday prayers.
