Srinagar: Kashmir Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on Friday said he was once again placed under house arrest by authorities, preventing him from offering prayers at the historic Jama Masjid in Srinagar. This marks the third consecutive Friday that the Mirwaiz has been confined to his residence, drawing sharp criticism from him against what he described as repeated curbs on his religious and personal freedoms.
In a post on X, the Mirwaiz expressed strong resentment over the restrictions. “Today again, for the third consecutive Friday, I have been placed under house arrest and will not be allowed to go to Jama Masjid. What law, if laws govern us, sanctions such an assault on basic rights and turns worship into a crime?” he asked.
He alleged that authorities were arbitrarily confining him to his home without accountability. “Week after week, on Fridays or any day they decide, at their whim and will, the authorities lock me inside my home, curb my freedom, and prevent me from fulfilling my religious duties,” he said.
The Mirwaiz further accused the administration of authoritarian behavior, saying those who have the duty to question such actions either “dare not or bother not.” He said the denial of access to the Jama Masjid not only undermines his personal rights but also hurts the religious sentiments of the people.
The Mirwaiz reiterated his condemnation of the restrictions and urged those in positions of responsibility to reflect upon the consequences of repeatedly curbing fundamental freedoms. “I strongly condemn these repeated curbs and the authorities’ contempt for human rights and people’s sentiments,” he said. [KNT]
