Srinagar: Congregational prayers were not offered at the historic central mosque in downtown Srinagar for the 17th week today.
All roads leading to Jamia Masjid in Nowhatta Srinagar were closed with barbed wire while Kashmir’s top cleric and Hurriyat (M) chairman was not allowed to move out of his Nigeen residence where he remains under house arrest.
A large number of forces personnel remained deployed outside the mosque and adjoining areas to stop any pedestrian movement.
Congregational Friday prayers haven’t been offered at the mosque since the July 8 killing of militant commander Burhan Wani in an encounter with forces.
Hurriyat (M) spokesman Advocate Shahid-ul-Islam condemned the government move, saying that it was a direct interference into the religious affairs of Muslims.