Mirwaiz says barred from offering prayers at Jamia Masjid, to challenge detention in court

Srinagar, Sep 20: Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on Friday said he continues to be under house arrest, preventing him from going to Jamia Masjid for the third consecutive Friday to deliver the sermon and offer prayers, news agency KNS reported.

Mirwaiz said that it is strange that while the head of the government claims that he is a “free man” in the media, but in reality he is detained.

“No reason is (being) given for this infringement to my fundamental right to freedom and liberty. Instead, it is enforced in private and denied in public. No visitors, especially the media is allowed to meet me,” Mirwaiz said in a statement issued to KNS.

He said that while claims of normalcy and peace in J&K are broadcast day in and out, one surprises why he is detained at home and not allowed to move, and then the fact vehemently denied.

Mirwaiz said that repeated detentions are badly affecting his obligations as the Mirwaiz and his socio-educational initiatives.

Being a public person it also prevents him from engaging with people socially and participating in their lives in grief and happiness, the statement said.

Mirwaiz stated that he will be filing a rejoinder before the Honorable High Court concerning his ongoing lawsuit seeking permanent release from house arrest.

Mirwaiz, as per the statement also condoled the death of first Muslim IAS officer of J&K Mohammad Shafi Pandith and expressed deep sorrow on his passing away.

“Late Shafi Sahab was a dynamic bureaucrat, for whom the welfare of the people of J&K was the motivating force throughout his career. Even after his retirement he continued to serve the society through philanthropic and social initiatives. Such people are an asset to the society and he will always be remembered for his contributions”, Mirwaiz said.

He prayed for the highest place in Jannah for him and expressed sympathy with the bereaved family. He also expressed regret that he could not attend the funeral prayers of the deceased or condole the family personally due to his house arrest.