The managing body of Jamia Masjid Srinagar claimed that authorities disallowed the 'Shab-e-Baraat' congregational prayers at the mosque on Sunday and placed Kashmir’s chief cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq under house arrest.

In a statement, Anjuman Auqaf Jama Masjid said once again gates mosque were forcibly closed by the authorities on the auspicious occasion of Shab Baraat while Mirwaiz Farooq was put under house arrest hence disallowing congregational night long prayers on Shab-e- Baraat.

Strongly condemning the authorities action, Anjuman said in these days of Shaban preceding the holy month of Ramzan ,when mosques are reverberating with prayers and religious ceremonies, the central Jama Masjid , the most important religious centre of the valley was silenced .

Anjuman said it is extremely unfortunate and people are extremely upset and heartbroken at how the authorities are dealing with their central religious place and their religious head.

“Such blatant violation of the religious rights of people and interference in their religious affairs is unacceptable. Anjuman strongly protests it,” the statement read. 

Meanwhile, Shab-e-Baraat (night of salvation) was observed with religious fervour across the Kashmir valley.

The nightlong prayers were held at several mosques and shrines on Shab-e-Baraat, which is observed on the 14th or 15th day of Sha'ban, the eighth month of the Islamic calendar.

The main religious function was held at the Hazratbal shrine, which houses the holy relic of Prophet Muhammad, on the banks of Dal Lake. Both places wore a festive look throughout the night as several vendors had set up their stalls on the occasion.

People were also seen visiting graveyards from Sunday evening.