Srinagar, Dec 01 (KNS): Anjuman Auqaf Jama Masjid today reiterated its concern and resentment against disallowing Friday prayers at Jama Masjid, Srinagar for eighth consecutive week and house detention of Mirwaiz Moulvi Umar Farooq.

In a statement, issued to KNS, Anjuman Auqaf said that such hostile acts by the administration are not only tantamount to interference in religious affairs but also seriously hurt the feelings and sentiments of the people.

It said that people have a deep religious and emotional attachment to the Jama Masjid Srinagar and Mirwaiz, and disallowing prayers here severely hurts their sentiments.

“Placing restrictions on him amounts to denying him religious freedom. As the Mirwaiz, he has a lot of responsibilities towards people and society but the administration is not allowing him to carry out his duties,” the Auqaf said.

It said that frequent undue restrictions on him are a matter of serious concern for both Anjuman as well as people, especially the thousands of devotees from various parts of the Valley who throng the Jama Masjid Srinagar every Friday but have to return deeply disappointed and with heavy hearts.

“In view of these facts, the administration must remove undue restrictions on the Jama Masjid Srinagar and Mirwaiz,” the Auqaf said. (KNS)