For Mirwaiz’s ‘release’, mosque committee pins hopes on court

Naseer Ganai

Srinagar, March 1

After Kashmir’s chief cleric and Hurriyat’s moderate chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq was not allowed to offer Friday prayers at the Jamia Masjid in Srinagar’s Nowhatta area, the mosque’s management, Anjuman Auqaf Jamia Masjid, has now pinned hopes on the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. With the upcoming hearing scheduled for March 6, they hope that the court will restore Mirwaiz’s religious and civil rights.

Mirwaiz had already moved the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, challenging his “detention.” The High Court in the last hearing granted the Union Territory’s administration the final opportunity to submit a reply to the habeas corpus petition.

Anjuman said that despite repeated appeals to authorities for his release, these appear to have fallen on deaf ears. “We place our trust in the judicial system to uphold justice and restore the religious and civil rights of Mirwaiz Umar Farooq. The matter is slated for a court hearing on March 6, and we are hopeful for a fair resolution.”

The mosque management said the court should allow Mirwaiz to be present in the mosque for Friday prayers, ensuring that the government refrains from “interfering” in religious practices.