Srinagar: Authorities in Kashmir have decided not to allow ‘Shab-e-Qadr’ and ‘Jumat-ul-Vida’ congregational prayers at the historic Jama Masjid here, a move denounced by mainstream parties.
The decision to not hold the congregational prayers was conveyed to the Anjuman Auqaf Jama Masjid — the managing body of the grand mosque on Wednesday night.
“The government and police officials headed by a magistrate visited the Jama Masjid premises after Iftar and conveyed to the Auqaf members that authorities have decided not to allow Jumat-ul-Vida congregational prayers to be held in Jama Masjid on the last Friday of Ramzan, as well as no prayers or ‘Shab’ (night-long prayers) to be allowed on Shab-e-Qadr at the historic mosque,” a statement issued by the Auqaf said.
It said the managing body “strongly denounces this decision of the authorities”.
Sources in police said that they had received credible inputs that some fringe elements may cause law and order issue at Jama Masjid on the occasion of Shab-e-Qadr and Jumatul-Vida following which the decision regarding temporary closure of the masjid was taken.
The police also said that after 3 pm on Friday (Jumatul-Vida), people are free to offer prayers at the Jama Masjid again.
“Keeping in view the inputs, a decision to close the masjid temporarily was taken,” the official said, adding that after 3 pm Friday (Jumat-ul-Vida), people are yet again free to offer prayers at the masjid—(KNO)
The People’s Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD) termed the administration’s directive as highly deplorable.
“The authorities, according to reports, have asked the managing body of the Jama Masjid, not to offer prayers on Shab-e-Qadar and Jumat-ul-Vida, the last Friday of the holy month of Ramzan. The move will bar thousands of people from offering the congregational prayers inside the historic mosque,” alliance spokesperson M Y Tarigami said.
Since it amounts to “direct interference” in the people’s religious matters, the move is “unacceptable and reprehensible”, he said.
Tarigami said the PAGD urges the administration to reconsider its decision forthwith and allow the people to offer the prayers.
He said Jama Masjid is a historic place and people have deep devotion with it.
“Such moves tantamount to hurting the religious sentiments of the people,” he said.
National Conference vice-president Omar Abdullah termed the ban on congregational prayers at Jama Masjid as unfortunate, saying the administration by its actions was proving that the situation in Kashmir was far from normal and contrary to what it has been claiming.
