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Opens the app if installed, or Google Play to download it.Kashmir’s chief cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq has remained under house arrest for nearly a week and was prevented from delivering the Friday sermon at the historic Jama Masjid in Srinagar for the second consecutive week, according to a statement issued by his office.
Police personnel and barricades remained deployed outside his residence in the Nigeen area of Srinagar, preventing him from travelling to the mosque on Friday, November 6, his office said.
In a post on X, Mirwaiz expressed disappointment over being prevented from addressing the congregation.
“My house detention continues unabated for the past week with police deployment and barricades in place. Unfortunate that I will not be able to deliver the Friday sermon at Jama Masjid Srinagar to the faithful today,” he said.
The restrictions reportedly began on November 1. His office linked them to his October 30 sermon at Jama Masjid, during which he referred to a report by the International Crisis Group on Jammu and Kashmir.
In the sermon, Mirwaiz welcomed the decline in militancy, street protests and violence in the region but said lasting peace required justice, reconciliation, restoration of civil liberties and meaningful political engagement.
He also raised concerns over political prisoners and called for rebuilding public trust.
His continued detention has prevented him from attending scheduled religious gatherings and discharging his responsibilities as the chief cleric, his office said.
There was no immediate official response to the allegations.
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