SRINAGAR: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti on Wednesday alleged that Mirwaiz Umar Farooq was placed under house arrest on Eid-ul-Adha, preventing him from offering congregational prayers at Srinagar’s Jamia Masjid.
Speaking to reporters after offering Eid prayers at the Hazratbal shrine in Srinagar, Mufti said the cleric was also stopped from travelling to Budgam the previous day. “Yesterday he was prevented from going to Budgam. Today he was stopped from reaching Jamia Masjid where he intended to pray,” she said.
She criticised the restrictions on major religious gatherings, noting that permission for Eid prayers at Eidgah and Jamia Masjid in Srinagar was denied again this year, continuing a pattern over the past eight years.
Mufti also raised concerns over undertrial prisoners from Jammu and Kashmir, alleging prolonged detention without legal resolution. “Thousands of our people are under trial in jail without any legal action. They are separated from their parents. Many parents have passed away,” she said.
Referring to recent developments in Budgam, she said Eid was being observed under difficult circumstances. “It is a pity. This Eid is being celebrated with a heavy heart,” she remarked.
