Srinagar, Sep 27 (KNO): Anjuman Auqaf Jamia Masjid deeply lamented and strongly condemned the continued house detention of Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Umar Farooq by the authorities.
A statement issued to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), today marks the fourth consecutive Friday that Mirwaiz was prevented from offering prayers and delivering his sermon at the historic Jama Masjid.
"This continued barring of the revered leader from performing his religious commitments is deeply disturbing and unacceptable. Mirwaiz has already filed a rejoinder in the court hearing his detention petition," the statement reads.
On the last Friday of Rabi Ul Awal, Auqaf had organized at Jama Masjid Seerat Conference, inviting esteemed ulemas and scholars to speak on the life and teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
"Mirwaiz Umar was supposed to lead the conference. It is a matter of great sorrow that thousands of people, from different parts of valley who had come to participate in this Majlis , were denied the chance to hear the Mirwaiz on this spiritual occasion," it reads.
It is extremely sad that the government claims Mirwaiz is “free” and prevents him from coming to Jama Masjid on Fridays and doesn’t bother to be proved to be lying, the statement reads, adding that it shows how unaccountable the government is to the people and their religious sentiments.
"Prime Minister and the Home Minister talk of their vision of a "Naya Kashmir." But it’s a strange new reality where the voice of peace, spiritual guidance, and dialogue is silenced. The unjust treatment of Mirwaiz, is far removed from their rhetoric," the statement added.
Anjuman Auqaf demanded the immediate release of Mirwaiz Umar Farooq from house detention and the restoration of his rights and the rights of Kashmiri people in practising their religious traditions freely without interference. "We call on all conscientious citizens and human rights organizations to raise their voices against this injustice," the statement added—(KNO)