New Delhi-installed authorities have closed the historic Markazi Jamia Masjid in Srinagar, Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, on Laylatul Qadr and did not allow special prayers on the night.   According to Kashmir Media Service, the authorities informed the Anjuman Auqaf  of the Jamia Masjid that the Masjid will remain closed and no prayers or night-long supplications will be allowed. 

All Parties Hurriyat Conference senior leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, taking to social media, expressed his anguish over the decision. He said, “On the highly revered night of Laylatul Qadr, when Muslims around the world supplicate and seek Allah’s forgiveness throughout the holy and blessed night, the central Jamia Masjid Srinagar will be closed to the people, and no shab or prayers will be allowed there.

It is extremely regrettable that the insensitivity of those in power will deprive tens of thousands of Muslims, who for generations have visited Jamia Masjid on this night, of spiritual solace and worship, causing them and me great grief and dismay.”  Laylatul Qadr, observed in the last ten days of Ramadan, is considered the holiest night in Islam, during which believers engage in prayers and seek divine mercy.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)