Srinagar, 04 November 2024: Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, the prominent cleric of Kashmir, and Hurriyat (Separatist) leader said that he has been placed under house arrest, preventing him from attending the condolence gathering for his relative, Mirwaiz Ahmad Shah, who passed away in Pakistan on Saturday.
In a public statement, Mirwaiz expressed his frustration, stating, “I am being barred from honoring my late relative, and I have been placed under house arrest by the Jammu and Kashmir administration.”
His office had planned for him to attend a gathering at the family’s ancestral home, Mirwaiz Manzil in Rajouri Kadal, followed by a prayer in absentia (nimaz-e-jinaza) at Srinagar’s Central Jamia Masjid.
Mirwaiz condemned the authorities’ decision, describing it as a violation of personal freedom and an affront to the religious sentiments of those wishing to pay their respects.
He alleged that not only was movement restricted around Mirwaiz Manzil, but the Central Jamia Masjid was also locked down to prevent the planned funeral prayer.
Officials from Anjuman Auqaf Jama Masjid stated they received warnings that any attempts to hold the prayer could lead to legal repercussions.
“These actions expose the hollowness of claims regarding a ‘Naya Kashmir,’ as frequently asserted by the Lieutenant Governor,” Mirwaiz added.