Srinagar: In an unprecedented move in the recent memory, authorities disallowed congregational prayers at historic Grand Mosque of Srinagar on the last Friday of Ramazan.
The last time Grand Mosque was closed on Jumma-tul-Vida was during alien Dogra rule in the early nineteenth century.
The authorities last evening had announced restrictions in areas falling under five police station areas of Srinagar apparently to prevent protests against the civil and militant killings of Pulwama.
Since morning, all the areas falling under jurisdiction of MR Gunj, Nowhatta, Khanyar, Safa Kadal and Rainawari were sealed off by police and restrictions were enforced strictly.
Hurriyat Conference (M) chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq said that it is for the first time in the living memory of people that they were barred from offering Jumma-tul-Vida prayers at Jamia Masjid by the authorities. He said that for the whole year Muslims of the Valley are waiting to offer prayers in Jamia Masjid on this most important last Friday of the holiest month to earn reward and seek forgiveness from the Almighty.
And even that right has been snatched from us by our oppressors, he said.
Meanwhile, clashes broke out at Anantnag and Sopore areas after Friday prayers. Police resorted to teargas shelling on protesters who responded by stone-pelting for several hours. In Pulwama district, shutdown was observed against the killing of three LeT militants and a civilian yesterday.
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