First time after Dogra rule, Jumat-ul-Vida prayers disallowed at Jama Masjid, restrictions imposed

5 Dariya News

Srinagar 23-Jun-2017

On the auspicious occasion of Jumat-ul-Vida, authorities today disallowedFriday congregational prayers at historic Jama Masjid by clamping restrictions in Old City areas of the City.The authorities last evening had announced restrictions in areas falling under five police station areas of Srinagar today to apparently prevent protests against the civil and militant killings of Pulwama. Since morning, all the areas falling under MR Gunj, Nowhatta, Khanyar, Safa Kadal and Rainawari were sealed off by police and restrictions were enforced strictly.Reports said for the first time after Dogra rule, the prayers at Jama Masjid on last Friday of Ramadhan was not allowed. Hurriyat Conference (M) chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq said that it is for the first time in the living memory of people that they were barred from offering Juma-tul-vida prayers at Jamia Masjid by the authorities. He said that for the whole year Muslims of the Valley are waiting to offer prayers in Jamia Masjid on this most important last Friday of the holiest month of Ramadan to earn reward and seek forgiveness of their almighty. “And even that right has been snatched from us by our oppressors,” he said.Meanwhile, clashes broke out at Anantnag and Sopore areas after Friday prayers. Police resorted to teargas shelling on protesters who responded by stone-pelting for several hours. In Pulwama district, shutdown was observed against the killing of three LeT militants and a civilian yesterday. (GNS)