Mirwaiz Raises Concerns Over Curbs, Calls For Probe Into Ganderbal Killing | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on Friday said access to Jama Masjid Srinagar has been repeatedly restricted, stating that such measures reflect a broader pattern of curbs on fundamental rights in the Valley.

Addressing the Friday congregation at the historic mosque after a gap, he said that Eid prayers were not permitted and several Fridays during the holy month of Ramazan, including Shab-e-Qadr and Juma-tul-Vida, also witnessed restrictions.

“After a long time, I stand before you at Jama Masjid. Access to this central place of worship for the Muslims of Kashmir is repeatedly curtailed at the will of authorities,” he said.

The Mirwaiz stated that repeated restrictions were “not just about closing a mosque” but indicative of a larger reality where “normalcy” is projected through what he described as curbs, bans and censorship. He added that harassment of Kashmiris continues.

Referring to reports of the killing of a youth, Raashid Ahmed Mughal, in Arhama area of Ganderbal in a claimed encounter, the Mirwaiz said the incident had caused concern. He cited the family’s claim that the deceased was a part-time computer operator with no links to militancy and had been picked up prior to the incident.

He said the family has sought an impartial probe into the killing and expressed hope that justice would be delivered, noting that reports indicate that the Lieutenant Governor has ordered an inquiry.

The Mirwaiz also criticised the reported denial of the body to the family for burial, terming it “inhuman and condemnable.”

He further said that frequent reports of cases, chargesheets and arrests involving Kashmiris by multiple agencies, including SIA, CIK, Cyber Cell, ACB and NIA, contribute to an atmosphere of fear and intimidation.

He also referred to reported dismissals of government employees, stating that such actions, without judicial recourse, add to concerns among the public.

“This creates an atmosphere of fear and intimidation and reinforces the narrative that portrays an entire people as dangerous and suspect,” he said.

The Mirwaiz added that such measures, in his view, cannot lead to sustainable peace or progress.