Srinagar, Jul 06: Authorities on Friday barred congregational weekly prayers at Jamia Masjid by imposing restrictions in the area.
Police and paramilitary forces were deployed in strength in parts of downtown Srinagar, including Nowhatta where the grand mosque is located.
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, who delivers the Friday sermon at the mosque, was placed under house detention while JKLF chief Muhammad Yasin Malik was detained early today to prevent him from leading any rallies ahead of the anniversary of slain Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani.
Joint Resistance Leadership comprising Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Yasin Malik have called for Kashmir-wide shutdown and a public meeting in Wani’s native Tral area on Sunday.
Meanwhile, JKLF chairman Muhammad Yasin Malik was detained while Hurriyat-M chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq was put under house-arrest at his Nigeen residence ahead of the second death anniversary of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani.
Hurriyat-G chairman Syed Ali Shah Geelani continued to remain under house detention at his residence in Hyderpora but was allowed to offer Friday prayers at a nearby mosque before being put under house arrest again.
The separatists have called for a strike across the Valley on July 08 in connection with Burhan Wani’s death anniversary.
Authorities today also put restrictions around the Jamia Masjid in Nowhatta area of downtown Srinagar and did not allow Friday prayers there, the official said.
Wani was killed in an encounter with government forces in Kokernag area of south Kashmir’s Anantnag district on July 08, 2016.
His killing triggered massive protests and prolonged period of curfews and shutdowns across the Valley, leaving around a 100 civilians killed and thousands others injured in clashes between the government forces and protesters for a period of over four months.
