SRINAGAR: Anjuman Auqaf of Jamia Masjid has said that it has been record 200 Fridays since the Mirwaiz of Kashmir has been barred by the authorities from the centuries old tradition of delivering the Friday sermons from the pulpit of the historic Jamia Masjid, Srinagar, which is a shame.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the Anjuman Auqaf in a statement issued in Srinagar said the pain and anguish this religious repression on the Muslims of the valley has caused them is extremely unfortunate. Despite repeated appeals for his release from all sections and quarters of Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and outside the authorities have denied it so far, it added.
It said that a protest was held on this in Jamia Masjid, Srinagar, today in which a large number of men and women present on the occasion strongly urged the government to release the Mirwaiz immediately. They said that since August 2019, the pulpit of Jamia Masjid has fallen silent which was the source of religious, moral education and spiritual solace for them.
On behalf of Anjuman, Imam Hai of Jamia Masjid Ahmed Syed Naqshbandi expressed deep dismay that despite repeated appeals to allow the Mirwaiz to come to Jamia Masjid to resume his responsibilities as the Mirwaiz, the authorities are not paying any heed. He said that before the commencement of Ramadan a delegation of prominent religious leaders and scholars as part of the Muthahida Majlis e Ulema (MMU), had sent a letter to the governor, requesting for an appointment with regard to discussing the release of the Mirwaiz and other issues, but till date they have not received any reply, despite reminders.
Imam Hai asked that while the authorities are thoughtful of the sentiments associated with the annual Amarnath yatra and provide all assistance to the pilgrims for its smooth conduct which is how it should be, why are the sentiments of the Muslim community being ignored and hurt by keeping the Mirwaiz away from the Jamia Masjid? He said for decades it has been the tradition of the revered Mirwaizeen, that they prayed for the safety of the pilgrims as they embarked on the difficult terrain of the yatra and asked people to assist them, and today it is the Mirwaz who is being barred from his fundamental rights as a human and his duties of the Mirwaz.
