With restrictions on movement in place in Srinagar since Monday, authorities prevented Mirwaiz Umar Farooq from leaving his residence Friday to lead prayers at the city’s Jamia Masjid.
Restrictions that were put in place following Khamenei’s killing, continued to remain in place on Friday.
Expressing deep concern over them “particularly on a Friday in the holy month of Ramzan”, Mirwaiz, the chief cleric of Kashmir, said: “When thousands of people come to mosques seeking blessings and guidance, the pulpit of the historic Jamia Masjid remains silent while all lanes and by-lanes leading to the mosque have been barricaded”. Describing the situation as “very sad and unfortunate,” he said the sorrow being felt in Kashmir is not only because of these restrictions but also due to the grave developments unfolding in the region.
He said that Muslims across the world are “deeply aggrieved and anxious” over Israeli and American aggression in the Middle East, and that both countries “appear intent on reshaping the region to suit their interests”.
Referring to the killing of the Supreme Leader of Iran Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Mirwaiz said these developments have plunged the entire region into crisis and grief.
He also stated that people across J&K and Ladakh have expressed strong condemnation of this aggression and have voiced solidarity beyond divisions, standing together as one people.
“The Ummah cannot be divided in moments like this. When injustice is inflicted upon one part, the pain is felt by the entire body,” he said.
Mirwaiz also emphasised that he stands with the people of Iran, the Palestinians and all those bearing the brunt of aggression in the region and beyond.
