Authorities placed Hurriyat Conference chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq under house arrest on Friday, preventing him from leading congregational prayers at Srinagar’s historic Jamia Masjid. The move, occurring during the holy month of Ramzan, has sparked outrage among local religious leaders and the mosque’s management.

Mirwaiz, Kashmir’s chief cleric, was confined to his Nigeen residence, thwarting his scheduled visit to the Nowhatta-based Jamia Masjid, where he traditionally delivers Friday sermons. Officials confirmed the detention but offered no immediate explanation. This follows the Central government’s decision earlier this week to ban Mirwaiz’s Awami Action Committee (AAC) and the Jammu Kashmir Ittihadul Muslimeen (JKIM), led by Shia leader Masroor Abbas Ansari, for five years, citing alleged anti-national activities, terrorism support, and secessionist agendas.

The Anjuman Auqaf Jama Masjid, which oversees the mosque, condemned the house arrest as “arbitrary and unjustified,” especially given Ramzan’s spiritual significance. “Barring the Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir from his religious duties wounds the sentiments of the faithful,” the body stated, decrying the restriction as a violation of religious freedom. They demanded his immediate release to resume his obligations.

Mirwaiz’s detentions have been recurrent since August 2019, following the abrogation of Article 370, though he was briefly freed in September 2023 to lead prayers. The latest curb, amid heightened scrutiny of his organizations, underscores ongoing tensions between the Hurriyat leader and authorities, leaving his followers frustrated and calling for respite during this sacred period.