Kashmir's Chief Cleric Claims House Arrest During Ramadan Prayers

Mirwaiz Umar Farooq's Allegations of Detention

On Friday, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, the chief cleric of Kashmir, accused authorities of placing him under house arrest, preventing him from attending Friday prayers at the Jamia Masjid in Srinagar.

Farooq took to social media to express that this was the third consecutive Friday during the holy month of Ramadan that he had been subjected to what he termed as “arbitrary house arrest,” which he claimed was never formally communicated to him.

He described the measures taken to restrict his movement, stating that police vehicles and large groups of officers were stationed outside his home, blocking access to the area with concertina wires and halting traffic.

Farooq shared images that appeared to show a significant police presence outside his residence in Nigeen.

Farooq emphasized the significance of the Jama Masjid for the Muslim community in the region, suggesting that the authorities view it as a threat, along with other Muslim institutions and identities they aim to undermine. He asserted that such tactics would not diminish their faith or identity.

Previously, on September 12, he had also claimed to be under house arrest, which prevented him from leading prayers at the Jamia mosque. This incident followed the damage of an inauguration plaque at the Hazratbal shrine, which was reportedly vandalized by protesters who believed it contradicted Islamic values.

In July, he alleged that he was detained to stop him from mentioning Kashmir Martyrs’ Day in his sermon, a day that honors 22 individuals killed by the forces of the Dogra ruler in 1931. This day was removed from the public holiday list after the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, which had granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir.

In March 2025, Farooq had also reported being detained at home just before Eid celebrations.