Not allowing Friday prayers at Srinagars Jamia Masjid violates right to freely profess religion NC
Srinagar Jan 30 PTI The National Conference on Sunday said the continued disallowing of Friday congregational prayers at the Jamia Masjid here by authorities citing the COVID-19 pandemic is violative of the fundamental right to freedom to freely profess religionIn a statement NC spokesperson Imran Nabi Dar said such unwarranted curbs do not suit the countrys secular mooringsJamia Masjid is the central mosque and an epicentre of faith of millions across Jammu and Kashmir Having this great mosque out of bounds for Muslims for the 26th consecutive week is highly deplorable he saidEvery Friday men women and the elderly flock to this historic mosque from various parts of the valley only to return disheartened Such unwarranted curbs hurt the religious sentiments of millions and are unsuited to the countrys democratic secular moorings he addedThe NC spokesperson said the people of Kashmir have shown respect and adherence to social distancing norms even while praying in congregationsDar urged the authorities to allow people to offer Friday prayers at the grand mosqueSorrow and pain this causes to people remain unmitigated Allowing the prayers will bring much-needed respite to the people he saidThe compound that houses a thriving market also remains out of bounds causing a huge monetary loss to scores he said PTI SSB DIV DIV
Srinagar Jan 30 PTI The National Conference on Sunday said the continued disallowing of Friday congregational prayers at the Jamia Masjid here by authorities citing the COVID-19 pandemic is violative of the fundamental right to freedom to freely profess religionIn a statement NC spokesperson Imran Nabi Dar said such unwarranted curbs do not suit the countrys secular mooringsJamia Masjid is the central mosque and an epicentre of faith of millions across Jammu and Kashmir Having this great mosque out of bounds for Muslims for the 26th consecutive week is highly deplorable he saidEvery Friday men women and the elderly flock to this historic mosque from various parts of the valley only to return disheartened Such unwarranted curbs hurt the religious sentiments of millions and are unsuited to the countrys democratic secular moorings he addedThe NC spokesperson said the people of Kashmir have shown respect and adherence to social distancing norms even while praying in congregationsDar urged the authorities to allow people to offer Friday prayers at the grand mosqueSorrow and pain this causes to people remain unmitigated Allowing the prayers will bring much-needed respite to the people he saidThe compound that houses a thriving market also remains out of bounds causing a huge monetary loss to scores he said PTI SSB DIV DIV
