Jamia Masjid sealed, restrictions in Nowhatta area

Srinagar, July 28

Jamia Masjid, the largest mosque in the city, was sealed off for congregational midday prayers on Friday as restrictions were imposed in the Nowhatta neighbourhood of Srinagar’s old city.

The restrictions were imposed in the neighbourhood, where the mosque is located, in the densely populated quarter of the city to prevent any protests.

“There are restrictions imposed in and around Jamia Masjid, the rest of the areas have no restrictions,” said Superintendent of Police (North City) Sajad Shah. The officer said the restrictions would be imposed every time there is a call for protests.

The latest round of restrictions was imposed around Jamia Masjid in response to the call for protests made by three separatist leaders Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Yasin Malik.

The trio had called for protests to be held after Friday’s midday prayers to demonstrate against the suspension of sentence to Army soldiers involved in the Machil fake encounter and arrest of seven separatist leaders by the NIA on charges of receiving and collecting money through illegal means.

The police and paramilitary forces had sealed off all roads and alleys leading to Jamia Masjid, which marked the sixth consecutive week of barring the Friday congregational prayers at the city’s largest mosque and also a site of frequent protests.

Mirwaiz, who delivers the Friday sermon at Jamia Masjid, responded to the restrictions on Twitter and said, “36th day of house arrest, 6th consecutive Friday Jama Masjid continues under siege.” Meanwhile, members and activists of Malik’s JLKF held a protest at Lal Chowk in the city to protest against the arrest of separatist leaders by the NIA and against the suspension of sentence of soldiers. The protesters held placards and banners denouncing the arrest of separatist leaders and also raised slogans before they dispersed peacefully. — TNS