SRINAGAR (KIMS) — Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on Friday said he was placed under house arrest by the authorities and prevented from offering congregational Friday prayers at the historic Jamia Masjid in Srinagar.
In a post on X, the Mirwaiz Manzil, the office of the Mirwaiz, said that Mirwaiz Umar Farooq was also barred from attending the launch of the Mirwaiz Foundation’s 2026 calendar titled “Pillars of Faith – Wooden Mosques on the Historic Silk Route”, which was scheduled to be held at the Jamia Masjid.
“Authorities have once again placed Mirwaiz Umar Farooq under house arrest today, preventing him from going to the historic Jama Masjid, Srinagar to deliver the sermon and offer Friday prayers,” the post read, adding that even the launch of the spiritual and cultural heritage calendar was denied by force.
It termed the curtailment of peaceful religious and community activities as sad and unjust.
The Mirwaiz Foundation, in association with Anjuman-e-Auqaf Jama Masjid, today launched its Calendar 2026 (1448 AH) at the historic Jama Masjid, Srinagar. However, Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Dr Moulvi Muhammad Umar Farooq could not attend the launch event due to the house arrest, it said.
The calendar showcases the rich spiritual, architectural and cultural heritage of wooden mosques along the historic Silk Route, spanning from Kashmir to Central Asia and beyond.
It captures the timeless beauty of sacred spaces that have served as centres of prayer, learning and community life for centuries, reflecting the depth of Islamic faith and the craftsmanship of traditional architecture.
Through rare visuals and informative content, Pillars of Faith seeks to highlight the shared spiritual legacy of the Muslim world and reconnect present generations with historic mosques symbolising devotion, artistry and continuity of faith. — (KIMS)