Srinagar, June 23 (KNS): Anjuman Auqaf Jama Masjid said that it has been record 200 Fridays since Mirwaiz Dr Moulvi Umar Farooq has been barred from offering prayers.

In a statement, issued to Kashmir News Service (KNS), it said that despite repeated appeals for his release from all sections, the authorities have denied it so far.

On behalf of Anjuman, Imam Hai of Jama Masjid Ahmed Syed Naqdhbandi expressed deep dismay that despite repeated appeals to allow Mirwaiz to come to Jama Masjid, the authorities are not paying any heed.

He said that before the commencement of Ramzan a delegation of prominent religious leaders and scholars as part of the Muthahida Majlis e Ulema (MMU), had sent a letter to the Lt Governor , requesting for an appointment to discuss the release of Mirwaiz, but till date they have not received any reply.

He asked that while the authorities are thoughtful of the sentiments associated with the annual Amarnath Yatra and provide all assistance to the pilgrims for its smooth conduct which is how it should be , why are the sentiments of the Muslim community being ignored.

He said that for decades it has been the tradition of the the revered Mirwaizeen that they prayed for the safety of the pilgrims as they embarked on the difficult terrain of the yatra and asked people to assist them, and today it is Mirwaz who is being barred from his fundamental rights as a human. (KNS)