Srinagar, Authorities in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir have barred senior leader of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, from addressing a Seerat Majlis in Srinagar.

According to a news release by Kashmir Media Service, the Seerat Majlis event was in conjunction with the urs of Hazrat Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jeelani (RA). In a statement, the Anjuman Auqaf of Jamia Masjid, Srinagar, indicated that Mirwaiz Umar Farooq was invited by Idarah Gousia Sarai Bala, Srinagar, to speak at the Seerat Majlis. However, authorities denied him access without offering a clear rationale.

The statement further expressed concern and regret over the ongoing house arrest of Mirwaiz Umar Farooq since October 15, 2023, and emphasized the consequent limitations placed on his ability to execute his official duties. The statement stressed that such actions, especially against religious figures like the Mirwaiz, distress the Muslim community in the region. Despite claims of improved conditions in Kashmir, the statement questions the reason for imposing restrictions on religious events.

Many had congregated at Astana Ghousia Sarai Bala in anticipation of hearing Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir’s sermon, leaving them greatly disheartened when the address was cancelled.