Kashmir: Mirwaiz barred from addressing Jama Masjid congregation for second Friday

Mirwaiz Umar Farooq was disallowed to address the Friday congregation at the historic Jama Masjid in downtown Srinagar. This restriction marks the second consecutive Friday he has been prevented from delivering his sermon at one of the region's oldest pulpits. According to officials, he has been placed under house detention for nearly a week in the Nigeen area of Srinagar. Police deployment and barricades were erected outside his residence, and authorities denied visits from others during this period. The measures followed his previous sermon referencing a report on civil liberties. Mirwaiz stated that these restrictions contradict the official narrative of normalcy in Kashmir, highlighting ongoing tensions regarding his public engagements.