Clashes erupted in Nowhatta area of Srinagar on Thursday after forces foiled the protest march organized by people against the closure of Jamia Masjid since last 14 consecutive Friday’s and detention of Hurriyat (M) chairman, Mirwaiz Molvi Umar Farooq.Local sources said that the people had organized protest march to press the government for their demands.However, as soon as the protesters tried to march towards Rajouri Kadal from Jami Masjid, forces used tear gas canisters to disperse them thereby resulted in the clashes.The protesters were demanding immediate release of Mirwaiz and end to the ban on offering prayers in the historical Jamia Masjid.
Clashes were ongoing when the report was last filed.Meanwhile, Advocate Shahid-ul-Islam, media advisor of Hurriyat (M) condemned the use of force against unarmed protesters and said that the use of force on a peaceful protest is ‘unfortunate’.He said that “The practice to disallow prayers in Jamia Masjid began in 1819. It happened during the time of Maharaja Ranjit Singh when the then Governor Moti Ram curbed prayers at the Masjid” said Islam.“That time, no prayers were offered and no call for prayers was given from the Masjid. The curbs remained in force for over two decades,” he said adding “Mirwaiz Umar Farooq is not only a political activist but also a head preacher.”“This is the darkest era we are going through. We have never seen such a longest period when Jamia Masjid was locked down. It is direct interference into the religious affairs,” he added. (KNS)