Kashmir’s chief cleric and Hurriyat chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on Friday criticised the “contradiction between the authorities’ optimistic public statements regarding the situation in Kashmir, and their actions that restricts religious freedom. “
He was addressing the Friday congregational prayers at historic Jamia mosque in old Srinagar.
In his address to the congregation , Mirwaiz voiced his profound dismay over the authorities decision to prohibit observance of key religious events including Jumatul Vida, Shab-e-Qadr, and Eid prayers at the Jamia mosque in past one week.
The chief cleric criticised the contradiction between the authorities’ optimistic public statements regarding the situation in Kashmir, and their actions that restricts religious freedom.
“Every time the mosque is locked down and I am detained at home , their claims get exposed,” he stated.
“Despite these challenges, our resilience and faith is unwavering. We are disappointed but not disheartened; we have full faith in Allah,” the Hurriyat Chairman affirmed.
He emphasized the historical and spiritual role of the Jama Masjid’s pulpit as the reflector of truth, vowing to shine light upon the state of affairs to the authorities, “whether they like it or not. “
