Srinagar, In a continued clampdown on religious freedom, Indian authorities in the Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) have once again barred senior All Parties Hurriyat Conference leader, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, from leaving his residence to offer Juma prayers.

According to Kashmir Media Service, this marks the 13th consecutive Friday that Mirwaiz has been confined to his house, preventing him from fulfilling his religious duties. The decision has been met with significant criticism and disappointment by the local community and religious organizations.

The Anjuman Auqaf Jamia Masjid, Srinagar, where Mirwaiz Umar Farooq is the chief, released a statement condemning the persistent house detention as unjustified and devoid of any valid reasoning. The statement emphasized the profound impact of these restrictions on the religious and emotional sentiments of the people in the valley, particularly those who regularly attend the Friday prayers at the Jamia Masjid Srinagar to hear Mirwaiz’s sermons.

The Anjuman’s statement also criticized the authorities’ actions as an infringement on religious rights and an indication of their vindictive approach, stirring discontent and sadness among the people of Kashmir.

The ongoing situation surrounding Mirwaiz Umar Farooq’s house arrest continues to raise concerns about the restriction of religious freedoms and the broader implications for human rights in the region.