Mirwaiz Barred from Leading Father-in-Law’s Funeral Prayers at Jama Masjid, Parties Flay Move
Srinagar 28 Feb 2025: In a move that has sparked widespread criticism, authorities on Thursday prevented Hurriyat chairman and Kashmir’s chief cleric, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, from leading the funeral prayers of his father-in-law, Dr. Ghulam Sibtain Masoodi, at the Jamia Masjid Mosque in Srinagar. Dr. Masoodi passed away on Wednesday night after a prolonged illness.
Details of the Incident:
The Mirwaiz Manzil office confirmed that the gates of Jamia Masjid were sealed, and its surroundings cordoned off, as authorities informed them that the funeral prayers, scheduled to take place after Zuhr (afternoon) prayers, would not be allowed at the mosque. The Mirwaiz Manzil strongly condemned the use of force and restrictions during a moment of grief, calling it an unjustifiable display of power even in religious rituals.
Political Reactions:
The authorities’ decision was met with sharp criticism from both the opposition and the ruling National Conference. Senior Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader Iltija Mufti called it “unfathomable and cruel” that the authorities had barred the funeral prayers at Jamia Masjid. She expressed disappointment, saying, “One assumed that after an elected government there’d be some relief but instead they are complicit by their silence which has emboldened GOI’s iron-fisted policy of repression.”
The ruling National Conference also condemned the move, calling it “deeply regrettable and wrong.” A statement from the party read, “Such actions are not only regressive but also demonstrate the hollowness of claims of normalcy in the region. It is precisely these kinds of steps that reveal the lack of trust the authorities have in their own assertions of peace and stability.”
The Awami Itihaad Party (AIP), led by jailed MP Engineer Rashid, also expressed strong disapproval. AIP’s chief spokesperson Inam Un Nabi said, “AIP strongly condemns the restrictions imposed by the authorities on holding Funeral Prayers. Such actions not only hurt the sentiments of the family and well-wishers but also violate the fundamental right of people to participate in religious obligations.”
Condolences and Statements:
In a separate message, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed his condolences, writing on social media, “Sorry to hear about the demise of Dr. Sibtain Masoodi Sb, father-in-law of Mirwaiz Umar Farooq.” Dr. Ghulam Sibtain Masoodi was the brother of senior National Conference leader and MLA Hasnain Masoodi.
Bottom-Line:
The decision to prevent Mirwaiz Umar Farooq from leading his father-in-law’s funeral prayers at Jamia Masjid has drawn sharp criticism from various political parties and leaders. The incident highlights the ongoing tensions and challenges in the region, with many calling for a more humane and respectful approach to such sensitive matters.
