Srinagar: Authorities for the second consecutive Friday today barred congregational Friday prayers at Historic Jamia Masjid in Srinagar.
Kashmir valley is observing a shutdown today against the slapping of Public Safety Act against Jama’at leaders and JKLF chairman Muhammad Yasin Malik and assault on Article 35-A of the constitution that grants special rights to the people of J&K.
Witnesses said that all the entry and exit points leading the historic masjid were blocked by the forces while additional deployment of police and paramilitary forces were deployed to avoid “law and order problem”. The gates of Jamia Masjid were locked for stopping people to enter the premises.
The state authorities had imposed restrictions in several parts of Old City.Meanwhile Hurriyat Conference (M) chairperson and Kashmir’s chief cleric who addresses the faithful during Friday congregations at the grand mosque tweeted: “For the 2nd consecutive week mandatory Friday Prayers barred at #JamaMasjid Srinagar by the ruling regime. Restrictions Imposed in #ShareKhaas, People caged in homes, leadership either under #HouseArrest or jailed under PSA. (SIC).”
Mirwaiz was placed under house arrest late Thursday evening.