SRINAGAR, 11 Nov 2023: The All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) has expressed strong condemnation over the authorities’ decision in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) to prohibit Juma prayers at the historic Jamia Masjid Srinagar and the house arrest of senior APHC leader, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq.

According to Kashmir Media Service, the APHC spokesman in Srinagar, this marks the fifth consecutive Friday when the authorities have prevented Juma prayers at the mosque. The spokesman criticized the reasoning behind this decision, suggesting it was due to the potential expression of support and solidarity with the people of Palestine, who are currently facing aggression from Israel. He emphasized that this solidarity will persist as a show of humanity and Islamic fraternity.

The forcible and arbitrary house detention of Mirwaiz and other religious leaders was also strongly condemned in the statement. The APHC reiterated its stance that the Kashmir dispute, recognized internationally, must be resolved in accordance with the United Nations resolutions and the will of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. The resolution of this long-standing dispute is vital for lasting peace in the region, the statement added.

Additionally, APHC-AJK Convener, Mehmood Ahmed Saghar, in his statement, also criticized the ongoing house arrest of Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and the ban on Friday prayers. He called for the lifting of restrictions on Mirwaiz to allow him to resume his religious and social activities.

Saghar also urged the immediate release of all illegally detained Hurriyat leaders and activists, who he said are suffering due to India’s political vendetta. He listed several names of those who have been detained, highlighting the urgency and severity of the situation.

The statements from the APHC and its AJK Convener reflect the organization’s continued commitment to peaceful resolution and advocacy for the rights of the Kashmiri people.