Friday Prayers Halted at Srinagar’s Jama Masjid on Martyrs’ Day Eve: Mirwaiz

Quick Summary:

• Authorities in Srinagar disallowed congregational prayers at the historic Jama Masjid on Friday,July 11,2025,ahead of ‘Martyrs’ Day’ on July 13.
• Kashmir’s chief cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq was placed under house arrest and prevented from delivering his friday sermon, reportedly due too concerns over referencing the martyrs of July 13, 1931.
• A spokesman for Jama Masjid condemned the restrictions and appealed for their removal to allow peaceful commemoration of the martyrs.
• Regional parties like the National Conference (NC) and J&K Apni Party are preparing tributes at a graveyard in Srinagar. They have sought official permission from local authorities.
• The Central government excluded July 13 from the official holiday calendar in 2019 after revoking Jammu & Kashmir’s special status. The NC is advocating its reinstatement as an official holiday with accompanying ceremonies.
• NC leader Tanvir Sadiq criticized Mirwaiz Umar Farooq’s detention as unjustified and pledged efforts to restore ‘Martyrs Day’ observances officially.
• BJP spokesman Altaf Thakur called those commemorated “goons and rioters,” asserting that it marked a day of looting targeting Kashmiri Pandits.

indian Opinion Analysis:

The decision to restrict access to an iconic religious space like jamia masjid ahead of ‘Martyrs’ Day’ highlights ongoing sensitivities around political memory and past narratives in Jammu & Kashmir. While proponents emphasize honoring sacrifices against tyranny such as those made on July 13, opponents contest this framing based on differing perspectives regarding history-evident through conflicting statements by regional parties versus BJP representatives.

The refusal by authorities indicates efforts to prevent public gatherings possibly deemed emotional or politically charged during commemorative events. Such actions may represent broader state responses aimed at avoiding unrest; however, they coudl also heighten perceptions of suppression among specific communities or groups.

Restoring martyrs’ Day as an official holiday remains a contentious issue tied both to regional identity movements amid evolving governance post-special status removal in J&K. Balancing public commemoration alongside present-day priorities presents meaningful social challenges requiring inclusive dialog across differing viewpoints.

Read More: The Hindu Article