Srinagar, Aug 24: Anjuman Aufaq Jamia Masjid commemorated the 32nd anniversary of operation Jamia Masjid, when the central Jamia Masjid was ransacked on 25th August 1989.

This desecration of the Masjid had greatly hurt the deep rooted emotional and religious sentiments of the Muslims of the valley and was an attempt to cow down the then Mirwaiz , Moulana Muhammad Farooq (RA) to desist from advocating the rights of the people of Kashmir, a statement said.

“But Shaheed-e-Millat (RA) known for his courage and conviction, his rock-solid resolve could not be shaken by such conspiracies, and till date the pulpit of Jamia Masjid Srinagar continues to raise the voice of people and represent their sentiments and aspirations,” the Anjuman said in a statement.

The Anjuman said that Jamia Masjid Srinagar symbolizes the unique cultural and religious identity and history of J&K and its Muslims. “And the Mirwaizeen down the centuries through their unique style of preaching from its pulpit and the subsequent connect with people, have not only preserved and promoted that identity but added to it.”

Given the political uncertainty and upheavals that unfolded in J&K and the consequent political turmoils, the pulpit could not stay immune to these developments affecting the people. The Mirwaizeen naturally guided the people in this, and the pulpit came to represent the political sentiments and aspiration of the people and its realization, it added.

“It is for this reason that the Masjid and the Mirwaizeen are targeted by those in authority. Time and again, by force, the gates of this pivotal socio and religious centre of Muslims of J&K are closed to people for weeks and months on end, causing them great distress, while for the last two years Mirwaiz Umar Farooq has been placed under house arrest by the authorities,” Anjuman said..

Of late, despite the significant reduction in COVID-19 cases, and even after putting in place all SOPs, the authorities have not allowed the Central Jamia Masjid to be opened for prayers, it added.

Anjuman said the coming Friday it will again attempt to keep the Masjid open for worshippers with all COVID 19 precautions, if the authorities allow. kno