Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Dec 18: Authorities today allowed prayers to be held at Srinagar’s Central Jamia Masjid for the first time after the gap of more than 135 days since August when the erstwhile J&K State was stripped of its special status and restrictions were imposed across Valley.
Scores of people today held afternoon prayers at the mosque, where not only the restrictions were imposed on the conduct of Friday congregational prayers, but also daily prayers were not allowed.
People from adjoining areas who thronged the mosque said that every time there is any disturbance, the mosque is locked down and people are not allowed to offer prayers-the norm, which they said, should stop once and for all.
“It is place with which our emotions are attached; it is very unfortunate the Masjid is closed again and again; we are offering prayers here for the first since August-it is a clear act of interfering into the religion,” said a resident, Abdul Rasheed, adding that he along with the rest of residents of the area were happy that the Masjid has been finally opened.
The members of the Jamia Auqaf also castigated the administration for imposing restrictions on prayers and the Jamia and said that it (administration) should try not to interfere in the religious matters.
“The mosque is for prayers and the administration should refrain from closing down the mosque, which is not a common mosque but one with a great history,” said a member of Jamia Auqaf, adding that people’s emotions and religious affiliations are associated with the Masjid.
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