Jamia Masjid Reopens For Prayers After 10-Week Hiatus

SRINAGAR: After a 10-week hiatus, congregational prayers have been allowed at Srinagar’s historic Jamia Masjid on Friday.  Regardless of the resumption, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, who delivers sermons on the grand mosque, remained confined to his residence in Nigeen, Srinagar.

The ban on congregational prayers, enforced for the previous 10 weeks, was primarily attributed to apprehensions of potential protests linked to Israeli actions in Gaza.

Authorities had sealed the Jamia Masjid, Kashmir’s largest mosque, on October 13, citing issues that worshippers would possibly stage demonstrations in opposition to Israel’s actions in Gaza and specific solidarity with Palestine.