(MENAFN- Kashmir Observer) SRINAGAR —The Srinagar administration barred the Friday congregational prayers at the historic Jamia Masjid in Old City, third time this month, a move that evoked sharp criticism from the Hurriyat Conference (M). The authorities imposed stringent curbs in downtown areas to prevent people from proceeding towards Jamia Masjid to offer Friday prayers.
Reports said that there was heavy deployment of forces including paramilitary forces since morning on roads while as all the gates of Jamia Masjid were sealed. 'This is for the third Friday when the authorities disallowed Friday prayers at the grand masjid in the current month,' said residents living in Nowhatta area of old city.
While as Hurriyat Conference (G) Chairman Syed Ali Geelani continues to remain under house detention at this Hyderpora residence, the Hurriyat Conference (M) chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq was placed under house arrest at his Nigeen residence on Thursday evening.
In a statement issued here, the Hurriyat strongly denouncing barring Friday congregational prayers at the historic Jamia Masjid for the third Friday in the ongoing month and caging its chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq at his residence since last night a move that has hurt the religious sentiments of thousands of people as Jamia Masjid has been the spiritual and religious epicenter of people of Kashmir for the past several decades.
The Hurriyat said large number of forces was deployed outside the grand Masjid since morning and all roads leading to sealed with rolls of concertina wires to ensure nobody reaches the Masjid.
The Hurriyat strongly denounced the ongoing crackdown and a fresh wave of crackdowns, mass arrests, slapping of PSAs, shifting resistance leaders to outside jails, stating that the repressive measures can't break the resolve of people and leadership.
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