Tanveer Hussain
Budgam, Mar 28: People’s Democratic Party (PDP) leader Agha Syed Muntazar Mehdi has strongly criticized the closure of Srinagar’s historic Jamia Masjid on Shab-e-Qadr, calling it a deeply regrettable decision that has hurt the sentiments of the Muslim community.
Speaking at an Al-Quds Rally in Magam, Mehdi said the move had caused widespread disappointment among worshippers who had gathered for night-long prayers. He stressed that such actions on auspicious occasions undermine the religious sentiments of the people and create a sense of alienation.
He also linked the closure to broader concerns about curbs on religious practices in the region, urging the administration to ensure that places of worship remain accessible on significant religious days.
Several religious and political organizations have also voiced concerns over the restrictions, stating that barring people from offering prayers at Kashmir’s grand mosque contradicts the region’s rich spiritual and cultural heritage.
Meanwhile, religious scholars and civil society groups have urged the authorities to refrain from imposing such restrictions in the future, emphasizing that freedom of religion must be respected. [KNT]
