Anjuman Auqaf Jamia Masjid has informed that senior police officials visited the residence of Mirwaiz  yesterday to inform him that the authorities have decided to release him from house detention and allow him to go to Jamia  Masjid for Friday prayers today.

“We have been communicated by authorities that Mirwaiz Umar Farooq will be allowed today to offer Friday congregational prayers at historic Jama Masjid, so accordingly we have been told to be prepared,” they said.

Notably Mirwaiz is under house detention since August 2019 when Centre revoked the special status of Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370 and divided the erstwhile state into two Union Territories.

Since August 05, 2019, Mirwaiz has remained under house detention and has not been allowed to offer congregational Friday prayers at Jama Masjid Srinagar.

Awami Action Committee and Anjuman Auqaf Jama Masjid had been urging the government to release Umar Farooq from house detention and allow him to carry out his routine religious duties.

On September 15, Jammu and Kashmir high court sought responses from the government over Mirwaiz’s plea regarding his detention since August 2019.

Government few days back released two religious clerics – Abdul Rashid Dawoodi and Mushtaq Ahmad Veeri. The move has been widely hailed by political parties, civil society and the general public.

Several mainstream parties have welcomed the release of Mirwaiz.

National Conference Vice President Omar Abdullah welcomed the step taken by the administration in J&K to release Mirwaiz Umar Farooq from house arrest.

“I hope that they allow him to move freely, interact with people & resume his social/religious responsibilities. Today eyes in Kashmir will be on the Mirwaiz as he delivers his first Friday sermon in Jamia Masjid after 2019,” Omar said.

“Finally Mirwaiz Umar Farooq will walk a free man after years of LGs admin’s denial about his detention. As a religious head he is held in high regard by muslims across J&K. Unfortunate that a tussle has already begun between BJPs various political outfits to claim credit for his release,” PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti posted on X.

“Welcome step! After 4 years of house arrest, it’s heartening to hear that Mirwaiz Umar Farooq will be allowed to offer Friday prayers at Srinagar’s Jamia Masjid. Religious freedom is a fundamental right, and clerics have an important role to play. This is a positive move towards reconciliation and unity!” Chairman Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) Ghulam Nabi Azad said.

“Welcome the release of Mirwaiz Umar Farooq sahib. It is a joyous day for all of us to hopefully see him leading the prayers. He symbolises a tradition which is primarily religious in nature but also strong societal connotations. This tradition has been routinely interrupted in the last three decades, by all governments. Hope this tradition proposers uninterrupted,” Peoples Conference chairman Sajad Lone said.

“I want to place on record thanks to the Hon’ble Union Home Minister Mr. Amit Shah ji @AmitShah and LG Manoj Sinha ji @manojsinha_for the decision to allow Mirwaiz Umer Farooq to lead Friday prayers at historic Jamia Masjid. Hope Mirwaiz Sahab will play his role to shape the society in a positive way for a better and peaceful tomorrow,” Apni Party chief Altaf Bukhari said.

Congratulations to respected Brother #MirwaizUmarFarooq Sahib. It is soothing to see you after a highly appreciable decision by the Administration. Religious scholars belong to all & no group or political party has a copyright for any religious personality. I hope, this time politico-theatrical statements will not shadow the happiness of the release of Mirwaiz. Wishing him great for future,” BJP leader and Chairperson J&K Waqf Board Darakhshan Andrabi said.