Srinagar: PDP Chief Mehbooba Mufti has condemned the closure of the historic Jamia Masjid in Srinagar on Shab-e Qadr, a significant night in Ramadan, describing the move as "unfortunate" and aimed at "depriving" Kashmiris. Mufti disclosed that Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, leader of the Hurriyet and head of the mosque's management body, has been placed under house arrest once again.

Shab-e Qadr, occurring in the final 10 days of Ramadan, holds profound significance in the Islamic calendar as one of its holiest nights. Expressing her dismay on social media, the former Chief Minister lamented, "How unfortunate that on the auspicious occasion of Shab-e Qadr Jama Masjid has been locked up to prevent people from offering prayers & Mirwaiz put under house arrest yet again."

In a display of the closure, Mufti shared images of security personnel stationed outside the mosque's gates, alongside a video showing the locked entrance. The decision to seal the Jamia Masjid came a day after Friday prayers were disallowed in the historic mosque, marking the culmination of Friday prayers during Ramadan. Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, scheduled to lead the congregation, found himself under house arrest.

The Anjuman Auqaf Jamia Masjid Srinagar, in a statement, expressed deep disappointment with the authorities' action, condemning it as repressive. The organization stated, "Authorities closed the gates of Jamia Masjid while the police asked people to vacate the mosque premises. The Auqaf was informed that the observance of taraweeh or Shab Khani on the auspicious occasion of Shab-E-Qadr will not be permitted."

Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, in a video message on Friday, criticized the administration's decision to prohibit Friday prayers, highlighting its significance for Muslims. However, the authorities also prevented a press conference called by Farooq at his residence regarding the closure.The ongoing restrictions and closures add to the tensions in the region, exacerbating the already strained situation.

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