Shab-e-Qadr prayers disallowed as Srinagar’s Jama Masjid shut again

Reacting to the development, Kashmir’s chief cleric and Hurriyat Conference chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq said in a statement that the central Jama Masjid had once again been closed to worshippers on the holy night of ‘Laylatul Qadr’.

“On this most sacred night, when prayers and supplications resound in mosques seeking Allah’s mercy and forgiveness, the central Jama Masjid of Kashmir has once again been closed upon worshippers,” Mirwaiz said.

He also claimed that he had been placed under house arrest.

“That the rulers fear prayers in a house of God on such a night speaks volumes about their insecurity and the shrinking space for religious practices,” he added.

Reacting to the development, National Conference chief spokesperson and MLA Tanvir Sadiq said it was “painful that worshippers in Srinagar are once again unable to offer prayers at the historic Jama Masjid.”

“Such sacred nights are meant for reflection, humility and collective supplication. One hopes that spaces for peaceful religious practice remain open, especially on nights so deeply significant to the faithful. May this night bring peace, wisdom and compassion to all,” he said.