After three weeks of curbs, congregation Friday prayers were allowed at the historic Jamia Masjid in the Old City here, even as protests were held at many places in response to the call given by joint resistance leadership (JRL) against the fresh spate of killings in the Valley.Reports reaching news gathering agency Global News Service said that after keeping the Central Mosque in the Old City of Nowhatta under siege for three consecutive weeks, the authorities today allowed devotees to offer congregational Friday prayers. Joint resistance leader (JRL) and chairman of Hurriyat Conference (M) Mirwaiz Umar Farooq addressed the devotees.“Unity is the need of the hour. We all must come together at a time when Kashmir is witnessing worst phase of bloodshed and oppression,” Mirwaiz said.Meanwhile, protests were held at several parts of the Valley in response to the call given by the JRL against the unabated killings of civilians and militants by the government forces.
Reports reaching GNS said that dozens of activists of various pro-freedom groups took out a march from Maisuma in the uptown city against the alleged bloodshed of Kashmiris by the government forces. Carrying placards and banners that read “We want freedom,” “Stop bloodshed of Kashmiris,” Stop state terrorism,”, the protesters under the banner of joint resistance leadership denounced the recent killings of militants and civilians in the Valley.“In Pulwama, a woman was not even allowed to take to the hospital due to which she died. This is the worst form of human rights,” a middle rung pro-freedom leader told the gathering.“Our protests will continue till Indian occupation doesn’t end and we witness the dawn of freedom in Kashmir,” he added.Reports of peaceful protest by the leaders and activists of Hurriyat Conference (G) against the ‘human rights violations’ were also received from Hyderpora. (GNS)