Anjuman criticizes detention of Mirwaiz for 185 consecutive Fridays

SRINAGAR — Anjuman Auqaf Jama Masjid Srinagar has criticized the government for the three and a half years of detention of its President Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Dr. Moulvi Muhammad Umar Farooq, who was barred from offering 185th consecutive Friday prayers today.

Anjuman in a statement issued to the news agency KNO said that due to the illegal detention, Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir is prevented from delivering the Friday sermons and Friday prayers from the pulpit of the Jama Masjid which is a direct interference with the religious rights of the Muslims of the valley by the authorities.

“The continuous detention of Mirwaiz Umar Farooq is a serious concern for Anjuman Auqaf as well as the people,” it said, adding that public anxiety against his unjustified detention is increasing with each passing day.

“Severe disappointment is seen among the worshipers at the historic Jama Masjid Srinagar who come from cities and towns to benefit from the wise sermons of Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir,” the statement said.

Anjuman urged the authorities to ensure the unconditional release of Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir on the arrival of the blessed and holy month of Ramadan so that he can fulfill his religious obligations in this blessed month.