Srinagar, Apr 11 (UNI) Amid the outrage over the Waqf Act, Hurriyat Conference chairman and Kashmir's chief cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on Friday said that he was placed under house arrest again and not allowed to offer the congregational prayers at Jamia Masjid here.
Mirwaiz said the restriction is both heartbreaking and outrageous.
“Yet again, this Friday put under house arrest and barred from offering prayers at Jama Masjid. It’s is both heartbreaking and outrageous that authorities continue to trample on my basic religious rights — at their will,” he said in a post in X. .
Mirwaiz also shared a video of police deployed outside his Nagin residence, suggesting restrictions on his movement.
The police have not reacted to the claim. House detention of Mirwaiz is common in Kashmir, but the police rarely admit to such action.
Mirwaiz who also head Mutahida Majlis-e-Ulema (MMU), J&K’s largest religious representative body, said that resolution against Waqf Act would be read in mosques after the Friday prayers.
“The resolution formulated by MMU -the meeting of which was also not allowed, against the Waqf Amendment Act will be read out today in mosques, shrines, and Imambaras across J&K,” Mirwaiz said.
In the resolution MMU expressed serious concern over several provisions of the amended Waqf Act, warning that the changes threaten the religious and community-centric character of Waqf institutions in India.
“The new legislation introduces significant changes in the management and supervision of Waqf properties, and many feel that it may diminish the role and authority of the Muslim community in overseeing its religious endowments, which have traditionally been managed in accordance with Islamic principles,” the resolution read.
The MMU in its resolution reaffirmed its full support to the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) and will stand by the Board in whatever course of action it deems appropriate to address the issues arising from the new law.
The MMU also called upon the Muslim community to remain united, aware, and engaged, and to support all peaceful and lawful efforts for the protection and proper functioning of our religious institutions and endowments.
UNI MJR KK