Hurriyat Conference chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq condemns restrictions on religious observances in Jammu and Kashmir

SRINAGAR, April 13 (SABAH): Hurriyat Conference chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq has condemned restrictions on religious observances in Jammu and Kashmir.

Addressing the congregation at the Jamia Masjid, Farooq, who is also the chief priest, criticised the authorities’ decision to “prohibit observances of key religious events, including Jumatul Vida, Shab-e-Qadr, and Eid prayers at the grand mosque”.

“Every time the mosque is locked down and I am detained at home, their claims get exposed,” he said in a statement.

Earlier, he urged the Islamic scholars and Imams of the mosques to realise their responsibilities regarding the reformation of the society.

The Hurriyat Conference chairman said that mosques should be actively utilised as the best centres for value based upbringing of the children and youth in the light of Islamic teachings and for efforts towards societal reform.

“During the performance of the five daily prayers, the Muslims in the area become acquainted with each other’s well-being, leading to the formation of a caring and united society,” he said.