Srinagar, Aug 17 — Senior religious leader and chief cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on Monday criticised authorities for preventing him from addressing a religious congregation in Srinagar by placing him under house arrest.
Mirwaiz Umar said on X that he was denied permission to address the time‑honoured religious gathering of Khawaja Diger at Naqshband Sahab, observed annually on the 3rd of Rabi‑Ul‑Awwal. He claimed tens of thousands of people were waiting to participate in the congregation.
“Preventing me from addressing congregational religious occasions as the Mirwaiz, to punish me for my political outlook and for raising social and religious concerns of people, while a reflection of the now familiar repressive mindset of rulers, is still unfortunate and shameful to say the least,” he wrote.
He alleged that the authorities were showing “insensitivity and disrespect” towards the religious rights of Muslims by denying them the right to hear sermons and participate in spiritual experiences.
He urged elected governments to safeguard the religious rights of Muslims in the Valley as well as Jammu.
On Friday last week, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq was also placed under house arrest and not allowed to deliver the traditional Friday sermon at the Jama Masjid in Nowhatta, Srinagar.
Authorities maintain that Mirwaiz Umar Farooq is sometimes placed under house arrest for his personal security and to maintain law and order.
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq also heads the Awami Action Committee (AAC), which the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) declared a banned organisation.
The MHA banned the Jammu and Kashmir Awami Action Committee for five years under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) on March 11, 2025.