Shab-e-Barat Restrictions Spark Outrage in Kashmir
The restrictions have sparked a heated debate about religious freedom and the right to practice one's faith without fear of persecution or restriction, with many calling for the authorities to reconsider their decision and allow the people to observe the significant Islamic night with dignity and respect.
The Jammu and Kashmir government's decision to seal Jamia Masjid on Shab-e-Barat has been met with widespread criticism, with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah describing it as "unfortunate" and various leaders condemning the move as a restriction on religious freedom.
The police closure of Srinagar's Jama Masjid, the central mosque in Kashmir, ahead of the nightlong prayer occasion has sparked outrage among the Muslim community. The mosque's caretakers, Anjuman Auqaf Jama Masjid, reported that police personnel locked the gates of the mosque and asked worshippers to vacate the premises, citing it as a repeated restriction on the people's fundamental religious rights.
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, the Hurriyat leader, was allegedly placed under house arrest, preventing him from carrying out his religious duties on the significant Islamic night. The Auqaf has called the repeated restrictions a repressive measure, hurting the sentiments of the people and infringing upon their fundamental religious rights. Peoples Democratic Party leader Iltija Mufti also condemned the move, calling it a restriction on the right to freedom of religion and speech.
The decision to disallow Shab-e-Baraat congregation prayers at the historic mosque for the sixth consecutive year has been met with disappointment and outrage, with many leaders calling for the protection of religious rights and freedom of speech. The night of Shab-e-Barat is considered significant in the Islamic calendar, where it is believed that God determines the fate of all people for the coming year, making the restrictions even more poignant.
