Srinagar’s Jama Masjid closed for Friday prayers; NC MP says ‘denied space to speak on Waqf Bill’

Authorities close central mosque in Srinagar after Waqf Bill passage, sparking protests and concerns over Muslim rights.

In the wake of passage of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, the authorities on Friday (April 4, 2025) closed down central Jama Masjid in Srinagar and disallowed congregational prayers. Meanwhile, National Conference Member of Parliament Aga Syed Ruhullah alleged he was not allowed to speak on the Bill in the Parliament.

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A spokesman of the Anjuman Auqaf Jama Masjid, a caretaker body of the central and historic mosque, said, “Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir, Umar Farooq, was for the second consecutive Friday faced restrictions on his peaceful religious and official responsibilities. The undemocratic and hostile approach of the authorities is causing deep anguish to the Muslims of Kashmir.”

In a post on social media platform X, Mr. Farooq, expressed concern over passage of the Bill. “As things are fast regressing for Muslims in this country, latest being the highly marginalising Waqf Bill. It doesn’t seem far-fetched that permissions may be sought and permits issued after verification for Muslims to enter their mosques or be buried in their graveyards,” Mr. Farooq said.

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The authorities’ move to close the central mosque came a day after the Mutahida Majlis-e-Ulema (MMU), a conglomerate of religious bodies headed by Mr. Farooq, expressed deep anguish over the passing of the Bill.

The MMU, a spokesman said, will convene a meeting of its members on April 7, “to deliberate upon the matter”. “The MMU leadership is already in touch with the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) and other prominent Muslim organisations across India to discuss a collective and unified response to this development,” the spokesman said.