Srinagar, 18 Mar: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference Provincial President Kashmir Showkat Mir has expressed profound concern over the closure of Jamia Masjid on the sacred occasions of Jumat-ul-Vida and Shab-e-Qadr, stating that the decision has deeply hurt the religious sentiments of the people.
In a statement issued here, Mir said that these occasions hold immense spiritual and emotional significance for the Muslim community, and restrictions on offering prayers at such a central place of worship have caused widespread disappointment and distress among devotees.
He further expressed concern over the continued restrictions on Mirwaiz Umar Farooq saying that preventing him from reaching out to the people on such important religious occasions has added to the sense of disquiet. “Denying people access to revered religious institutions and limiting established traditions does little to inspire confidence among the masses,” he said.
Mir emphasized that such measures are counterproductive to efforts aimed at bridging the trust deficit. Instead, he noted, they risk further deepening the sense of alienation. He stressed that a more empathetic and inclusive approach is essential to foster mutual trust and understanding.
Calling for a reconsideration of such measures, Mir urged the authorities to adopt a balanced and sensitive approach that respects religious sentiments while maintaining public order. He reiterated that lasting peace and stability can only be achieved through dialogue, inclusiveness, and respect for the constitutional rights of the people.