Srinagar, September 15 (KNB): Anjuman Auqaf Jama Masjid, in a statement, emphasized that today marks the 212th Friday since the past four years during which their President, Mirwaiz Kashmir Molvi Umar Farooq, has been unable to offer the mandatory Friday prayers at the central Jamia Masjid in Srinagar.
He has been under house arrest since August 4, 2019, when Article 370 was revoked and the state was reorganized into a union territory.Despite numerous appeals and requests from various quarters, Mirwaiz remains confined to his residence.
Anjuman Auqaf Jama Masjid highlights that while state authorities claim he is “not detained,” he is effectively restricted from leaving his house and attending Jama Masjid on Fridays for sermons and prayers.
Police and paramilitary personnel continuously guard his residence, preventing him from moving freely and meeting with others.
Three weeks ago, a legal notice was sent to the authorities demanding clarity on his detention status and his release. However, no written response was received. Consequently, a writ petition was filed in the JK High Court by Mirwaiz’s legal team.
The petition seeks an order to release Mirwaiz from what they consider illegal and unauthorized detention.
Additionally, it requests the High Court to issue an appropriate order to lift the siege outside his residence in Nigeen Hazratbal, Srinagar.
The petition also advocates for Mirwaiz’s right to deliver Friday sermons and lead religious prayers at Jamia Masjid in Nowhatta, Srinagar, and the removal of any obstacles to his daily life, ensuring his freedom of movement and liberty as guaranteed by the Constitution.