Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, leader of the Jammu Kashmir Hurriyat Conference, has been reportedly placed under house arrest at his residence today, according to sources.
The leader will be unable to engage in religious activities, as reported by the administration of Anjuman Auqaf Jamia Masjid Srinagar.
Farooq was supposed to lead a majlis and deliver a sermon at the historic Aali Masjid Eidgah, as well as presiding over a commemorative function marking the 57th anniversary of Mirwaiz Mohammad Yusuf Shah, the Anjuman said.
Mirwaiz Muhammad Yousuf Shah was a prominent religious and political figure in Kashmir during the mid-20th century.
Expressing their disappointment, the Anjuman criticised the decision by authorities to place Umar Farooq under house arrest today.
However, officials did not respond to the claims of Mirwaiz being under house arrest.
"We express deep regret over the decision of authorities to place Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Dr. Moulvi Umar Farooq under house arrest today," said Anjuman.
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq's political influence and his arrest may potentially fuel resentment among a section of Kashmiris who view him as a proponent of peace and reconciliation.
He was released from home detention in September last year, after the repeal of Article 370 on August 5, 2019.
Initially, he was allowed to address the congregation at Jamia Masjid, but he was later prevented from doing so and placed under house arrest by the authorities.
Recently, A week before Ramadan, Mirwaiz was once again permitted to attend Friday prayers and other religious gatherings.
Only last Friday did he receive authorisation to address a congregation at the Jamia Mosque.
Follow us
