Jama Masjid Closed Again on Eid as Mirwaiz Remains Under House Arrest
For the seventh consecutive year, authorities in Srinagar closed the famous Jama Masjid and Eidgah, preventing Muslims from offering Eid prayers.
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, the head preacher of the mosque, was once again placed under house arrest on this important religious day.
Eid Mubarak! Yet again, Kashmir wakes up to the sad reality: no Eid prayers at Eidgah, and Jama Masjid locked down — for the 7th straight year. I too have been detained at my home.
— Mirwaiz Umar Farooq (@MirwaizKashmir) June 7, 2025
In a Muslim-majority region, Muslims are deprived of their fundamental right to pray — even on… pic.twitter.com/DFM1y0t9ce
The mosque has remained shut for Eid prayers since 2019, and Saturday was no exception. The Anjuman Auqaf Jama Masjid confirmed that the Eid-ul-Adha congregation, expected to take place, was disallowed again by authorities.
Images posted by the Mirwaiz showed police stationed outside his home, verifying his continued house arrest. The Eidgah in Srinagar was also closed down, denying worshippers the right to perform the annual prayer congregation.
“What a disgrace to those in power and those chosen by the people who prefer to keep quiet while our rights are repeatedly violated,” he added in another statement.
Earlier this year, on March 31, the mosque was locked for Eid-ul-Fitr, with the Mirwaiz also being detained at home. Major religious events like Fridays, Shab-e-Qadr, and Jummat-ul-Vida have also faced similar restrictions over the years.
Despite this, Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir managed to visit the home of the late Zubair Ahmed Bhat in Ali Kadal to offer condolences. Bhat’s death following his arrest by Delhi Police has triggered outrage across the valley.
Iltija Mufti, PDP leader, claimed Bhat was a victim of torture and prejudice at the hands of Delhi Police and a hospital in the capital, raising further concerns about custodial practices and human rights violations.