On the sacred night of Shab-e-Baraat, authorities in Srinagar shut down the historic Jamia Masjid, preventing congregational prayers and placing chief cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq under house arrest. Worshippers who had gathered at the mosque were asked to leave, and the mosque’s management was informed that night prayers would not be permitted.
This action marks the sixth consecutive year that congregational prayers have been barred at the grand mosque on Shab-e-Baraat.
Former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed his disapproval, stating, “It is very unfortunate that the security establishment has taken the decision to seal the historic Jamia Masjid, Srinagar, on one of the holiest nights in the Islamic calendar — Shab-e-Baraat. This decision betrays a lack of confidence in the people and a lack of confidence in the law-and-order machinery that calm won’t prevail without extreme measures. The people of Srinagar deserved better.”
The Anjuman Auqaf Jama Masjid, the mosque’s managing body, condemned the closure and the house arrest of Mirwaiz Umar Farooq. In a statement, they said, “Following Asr prayers, authorities abruptly closed the gates of Jama Masjid Srinagar, while police personnel asked worshippers to vacate the mosque premises. The Auqaf was further informed that the observance of Shab-e-Baraat would not be permitted at the Jama Masjid.”
The statement further emphasized the repeated nature of such actions, noting that “every time an important religious occasion arrives, people in large numbers who visit the Jama Masjid are left disappointed to find the grand mosque forcibly closed and Mirwaiz Umar Farooq barred from fulfilling his religious responsibilities. Such repeated restrictions not only hurt the sentiments of the people but also infringe upon their fundamental religious rights.”
The Jammu and Kashmir Police did not release an official statement regarding the restrictions. However, the Kashmir Zone Police’s official handle posted on X (formerly Twitter), saying, “IGP Kashmir wishes people on the eve of Shab-e-Baraat. May this blessed night bring harmony, happiness, and prosperity to all.”
The closure of the Jamia Masjid on such a significant night has drawn widespread criticism, with many viewing it as an infringement on religious freedoms and a reflection of the administration’s apprehension regarding public gatherings. The repeated nature of these restrictions has led to growing concerns about the state’s approach to managing religious events and the rights of its citizens.
As the situation develops, it remains to be seen how the authorities will address the concerns raised by religious leaders, political figures, and the general public regarding the closure of the Jamia Masjid and the restrictions placed on religious observances.
