Jammu and Kashmir: Restrictions imposed in downtown Srinagar, Friday prayers not allowed in Jamia Masjid

Friday prayers were not allowed in historic Jamia Masjid, which has been closed for devotees as a precautionary measure.

Officials said that restrictions have been imposed in parts of downtown Srinagar, including Nowhatta, while security forces have been deployed in strength across the city as a precautionary measure.

All gates of historic Jamia Masjid, stronghold of moderate Hurriyat Conference (HC) chairman Mirwaiz Moulvi Omar Farooq, have been locked and nobody was being allowed to enter the worship place. The Mirwaiz, who was scheduled to address Friday congregation this afternoon, has also been put under house arrest since this morning.

A large number of security forces and state police personnel have been deployed outside the Masjid and adjoining areas to stop any movement on the roads. “There was also no ‘Azaan’ (call for prayers) in the historic Masjid today,” local residents said, alleging that nobody was being allowed to enter the area.
Similar roadblocks were also erected at some other places in the downtown, restricting vehicular and pedestrian movement in these areas.

Hundreds of police and security force personnel, wearing bullet proof jackets and holding automatic weapons, were seen patrolling in these areas to strictly implement the restrictions.

However, prayers were offered in the Valley, barring in mosques on main roads in the areas where restrictions were imposed.

Friday prayers were offered at Hazratbal shrine, which houses the holy Relic of Prophet Muhammad, on the banks of Dal Lake. Reports of offering of Friday prayers were also received from other parts of the valley.