Disallowed From Visiting Jamia Masjid Ahead of July 13, Says Mirwaiz

SRINAGAR: Mirwaiz Umar Farooq is allegedly placed under house arrest on Friday and barred from offering congregational prayers at Srinagar’s Jamia Masjid, ahead of the observance of Martyrs’ Day on July 13.

Taking to the social media platform X, Mirwaiz claimed he was prevented from delivering the Friday sermon, with authorities fearing his mention of the July 13, 1931 martyrs—those killed while protesting against autocratic Dogra rule. “Disallowed to go to Jama Masjid today, put under house arrest, fearing the mention of the martyrs of 13th July 1931 in my Friday sermon,” he posted.

He said the sacrifices of the July 13 martyrs, as well as others who have died in the Kashmir, are part of the region’s “collective memory” and cannot be erased through “restrictions and bans.”

“No living nation can forget the supreme sacrifice of life of its martyrs against tyranny and injustice,” he added, in a post that also called on authorities to lift curbs and allow peaceful homage at the Martyrs’ Graveyard.

Mirwaiz further expressed hope that traditional prayers and a visit to the Martyrs’ Graveyard in Srinagar’s Naqshband Sahib area after Zuhr (afternoon) prayers on July 13 would be permitted.

Meanwhile, MLA Zadibal and JKNC Chief Spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq expressed his concern over the house arrest of Mirwaiz. In a post on X, he said, “It’s deeply unfortunate and unacceptable that @MirwaizKashmir Umar Farooq Sahab has once again been detained at home prevented from fulfilling his religious duties. Silencing a religious leader, especially a day before 13th July, dishonours not just his voice but the legacy of our martyrs. July 13, 1931, was a turning point in Kashmir’s history a brave stand against tyranny and injustice. No bans or restrictions can erase the memory of that sacrifice. Kashmir will always honour its martyrs with dignity, peace, and truth.“

Martyrs’ Day, once an official holiday in Jammu and Kashmir, commemorates the death of 22 Kashmiris shot dead by Dogra soldiers on July 13, 1931, outside Srinagar Central Jail.