Srinagar
The historic Jamia Masjid in old city Srinagar remained out of bounds for the devotees for the 17th consecutive Friday as no congregational prayers were offered in the Masjid.
Eye-witnesses told news agency KNS that though no restrictions were placed in Nowhatta area as traffic was plying on roads, security forces personnel were deployed in Nowhatta and adjoining areas and nobody was allowed to move into Jamia Masjid compound.
Since August 5, when the Centre abrogated the special status of Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370 and bifurcated the erstwhile State into two union territories, no prayers have been held at Jamia Masjid.
“Nobody was allowed to proceed towards the Jamia Masjid,” KNS quoted a resident of Nowhatta as saying.“Today, it was for the 17th consecutive Friday, that no congregational prayers were held at Jamia Masjid.”
Hurriyat Conference (M) chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, who would deliver weekly Friday sermons at the Jamia Masjid, continues to remain under house detention at his Nigeen residence since August 5.
During summer unrest of 2016, Friday prayers could not be held at the Jamia Masjid for 16 consecutive weeks. This year it has been 17 weeks since last Friday congregational prayers were held at the grand masjid. (KNS)
