Adil Lateef
Srinagar, June 23: Strict curfew-like restrictions marred Jumat-ul-Vida prayers as authorities disallowed Friday congregation at historic Jama Masjid in Old City today while ‘Shab-e-Qadr’ was observed across Kashmir last night with utmost belief and fervor.
The restrictions were imposed in areas falling under five police station areas of Old City including in Maharaj Gunj, Khanyar, Nowhatta, Khanyar, Rainawari and Safakadal. All the roads in restriction-bound areas were sealed off since morning by hundreds of police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) men who were deployed to enforce curbs. The restrictions were enforced more strictly in Jama Masjid area of Nowhatta.
Every year, nearly one lakh devotees offer congregational prayers at historic Jama Masjid here on the occasion of Jumat-ul-Vida, the last Friday of Holy month of Ramadhan. However this time, the authorities had already made it clear that no such Friday congregation would be allowed at Jama Masjid, fearing large-scale violent protests. Locals said no one was allowed to pray inside Jama Masjid today and this has happened for the first time since 1947.
Hurriyat Conference chairman, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq who delivers sermons at Jamia Masjid said it was for the first time in the living memory of people that they were barred from offering Jumat-ul-Vida prayers at Jamia Masjid. He said for whole year, Muslims of the Valley wait to offer prayers in Jamia Masjid on this most important last Friday of the holiest month of Ramadan. “However this right too has been snatched from us,” the Mirwaiz rued.
Barring Jamia Masjid, the Jumat-ul-Vida prayers were held in other mosques and shrines of the Kashmir Valley. The largest congregation was held at Hazratbal Shrine on Dal Lake banks where thousands of devotees offered Friday congregational prayers and sought mercy from God. The prayers passed off peacefully. Similar reports of Jumat-ul-Vida prayers also received from all districts of the Valley.
Last night, Muslims across the Kashmir observed ‘Shab-e-Qadr’ and sought peace, mercy and blessings from Allah during nigh-long prayers.
Muslims offered prayers in local and central mosques and shrines across the Valley. The biggest congregation prayers was held at Hazratbal Shrine here where thousands of Muslims joined special prayers during the night and also listened to sermons on teachings of Islam and Prophet Muhammad.
Thousands of Muslims also participated in night-long prayers at historic Jama Masjid here where Kashmir’s chief cleric and Hurriyat chairman, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq delivered a sermon after ‘Taraweeh’ prayers. The clerics and religious scholars in their sermons at different mosques and shrines highlighted the teachings of Islam and various aspects of the life of the Holy Prophet and urged Muslims to follow the same. The night has special significance as in this night; the angels descend therein by the permission of Allah Almighty.
Meanwhile, clashes broke out after Friday prayers in main town of Anantnag district, Sopore town of Barmulla district and in Hajin Town of Bandipora district between youths and security forces. Police used teargas canisters against the stone-throwers. During clashes, nearly 10 persons including a minor girl sustained injuries in Anantnag town but all of them are stable. Police said that the situation remained under control across the Kashmir today and there was no major incident of violence.
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