Authorities on Friday lifted curbs from the residence of Hurriyat (M) chairman and Jamia Masjid’s head preacher, Mirwaiz Molvi Umar Farooq and allowed him to lead prayers at historic Jamia Masjid.Notably, following the killing of Hizb commander, Burhan Wani, authorities had placed Mirwaiz under detention in sub-jail Cheshmashahi. However, he was later released and placed under house detention at his Nigeen residence.Meanwhile, after releasing him from house detention today, Mirwaiz reached Jamia Masjid and delivered sermons there after five months.Mirwaiz while condemning the siege on Jamia Masjid said that the government has made 'mockery' of religious rights.He said that in past five months, the government has broken all records of tyranny and oppression in every nook and corner of the Valley.Mirwaiz said that after lifting ban on the prayers at Jamia Masjid, the authorities have closed all the roads leading towards Jamia Masjid to stop the people from offering prayers here, which is unfortunate and condemnable.
He said, “Despite threats and arrests the stage of Jamia Masjid has always represented the emotions of the people and will continue to do so.”He said that arrests and other tyranny and oppressive measures won’t deter them from pursuing right to self-determination.Mirwaiz further thanked the people for showing consistency in the ongoing freedom movement and said that the sacrifices of the people have renewed the freedom struggle and their sacrifices won’t go waste at any cost.He said that the ongoing movement will continue till the goal will not be achieved.Meanwhile, Hurriyat (M) chairman expressed solidarity with the detainees mostly youth who are languishing in different jails across the state.Meanwhile, following the mandatory Friday prayers, Mirwaiz led a pro-freedom rally to Mirwaiz Manzil Rajouri Kadal during which people chanted anti-India and pro-freedom slogans.Pertinently, after the killing of Hizb commander Burhan Wani, government disallowed prayers at Jamia Masjid.The historic Jamia Masjid had since remained under continues siege with heavy deployment of forces.However, last Friday authorities lifted the siege from Jamia Masjid and allowed the congregational prayers after 19 consecutive Fridays.Mirwaiz was not allowed to reach the historic Jamia Masjid and was kept under house detention. (KNS)