Jama Masjid Srinagar Remains Closed on Juma-Tul-Vida, Mirwaiz Under House Detention
Srinagar, March 28, 2025 – The historic Jama Masjid in Srinagar continues to remain closed to worshippers on Juma-Tul-Vida, the last Friday of Ramadan, sparking widespread discontent among the Muslim community in Kashmir. Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, the chief cleric of the mosque, remains under house detention, further intensifying the grievances of the faithful who eagerly await this day each year for congregational prayers.
A Sacred Day Denied
Juma-Tul-Vida, a day of immense spiritual significance, is traditionally marked by large congregational prayers at the Jama Masjid. However, for the second consecutive occasion following Shab-e-Qadr, the mosque’s doors remain shut. Lakhs of worshippers, who consider this day a cornerstone of their religious practice, have been left disheartened.
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, in a statement, expressed his anguish over the continued closure of the mosque and his detention. “Why is this most important center of Kashmir’s religious identity and affinity repeatedly targeted? Why are people’s fundamental rights to religious practice curbed when tall claims of normalcy are trumpeted every day?” he questioned.
Community and Political Reactions
The closure has drawn sharp criticism from various quarters. Political leaders, including former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, have condemned the move, calling it a “gross injustice” and an example of “collective punishment” imposed on the people of Kashmir. “The government, which claims to have eradicated separatism, continues to view every Kashmiri as a potential separatist,” she remarked.
The Anjuman Auqaf Jama Masjid, the managing body of the mosque, has also voiced its concerns, describing the closure as a direct attack on the religious freedoms of the Muslim community. “This insensitivity will deprive tens of thousands of worshippers of spiritual solace and blessings on this sacred day,” the organization stated.
Authorities’ Stance
While no official statement has been issued regarding the reasons for the continued closure, sources suggest that security concerns may be a factor. The administration has previously cited the need to maintain law and order during large gatherings at the mosque.
A Call for Action
The repeated closure of the Jama Masjid has raised questions about the state of religious freedom and normalcy in the region. Community leaders and political figures have called for immediate action to address the issue and ensure that such restrictions are not imposed in the future.
