Srinagar, June 09 (KNS): The Anjuman Auqaf Jama Masjid Srinagar on Friday said that Mirwaiz Dr Moulvi Muhammad Umar Farooq, who has been kept under house arrest since 5 August 2019, has not been able to perform the important religious duty of Friday prayers for the 198th consecutive week,

In a statement, issued to Kashmir News Service (KNS) Anjuman Auqaf protested against his detention and barring him from preaching from the pulpit of the historic Jama Masjid for 198 consecutive Friday prayers.

"Even today, a large number of people who had come from the city, villages and towns to offer Friday prayer at the Jama Masjid had to return deeply disappointed because of the absence of Mirwaiz," it said. 

It said the public and leaders of religious, social and political organisations are unable to understand why despite continuous appeals he continues to be under house arrest.

The Anjuman hoped that he would be released before the holy days of Hajj and the festive occasion of Eid-ul-Adha so that he would be able to resume his duties. (KNS)