The Narendra Modi-led Indian government again attacked the freedom of religion in illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, today, by sealing the Jamia Masjid Srinagar and preventing Muslims from offering Juma prayers at the historic mosque.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the occupation authorities also once again placed senior leader of All Parties Hurriyat Conference, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, who delivers weekly Juma sermon at the Jamia Masjid, under house arrest. The authorities deployed Indian troops in strength in Nowhatta and other areas of the city to stop people from reaching the grand mosque. Indian police also locked the mosque from outside. The occupation authorities feared that the Juma congregation at the mosque could turn into an anti-Israel demonstration. The Mirwaiz was recently released from over four-year illegal detention. He has been included for 10th consecutive year in the list of 500 most influential Muslim personalities across the globe by the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Centre, Jordan, for the year 2024.
The All Parties Hurriyat Conference leaders and organizations including Fayaz Hussain Jaferi, Syed Sibte Shabir Qummi, Maulana Musaib Nadvi, Jammu and Kashmir Democratic Freedom Party, Jammu and Kashmir National Front and Jammu and Kashmir Salvation Movement in their statements deplored that India has usurped all basic rights and freedoms of the Kashmiris including the right to practice religion. They urged the international community to take cognizance of the India’s brutal actions in the occupied territory.
The Jammu and Kashmir Anjuman Sharie Shian, a constituent of APHC, oragnised a march in Badgam, today, to express solidarity with the people of Palestine, who are facing the worst Israeli aggression. Hundreds of people participated in the march and raised anti-Israel slogans.—KMS
