Kashmir’s main religious leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq claimed to be under house arrest and condemned the decisions of officials not allowing Eid prayers on Monday in the old city’s Idgah.
Mirwaiz said in a post on ‘X’, “Idgah and Jama Masjid belong to the people. Preventing them from visiting these holy places on Eid shows the oppressive and autocratic view prevailing in Kashmir today. ”
He also claimed that he was placed under house arrest before Eid prayers. However, the authorities did not comment on his claims.
He said, “I am very sad and strongly condemn the decision of the officials that once again the Muslims of Kashmir were denied the fundamental right to offer Eid prayers in Idgah and Jama Masjid. With the closure of Idgah and Jama Masjid, I have been put under house arrest. ”
Mirwaiz said that in the 1990s, when terrorism was at its peak, Eid prayers were performed in Idgah.
He asked, “When the authorities are making big claims about the normal situation every day, why are Muslims being kept away from their religious places and practices?” What is the agenda? Is the collective identity of Kashmiri Muslims a threat to the rulers? ”