Kashmiri Leader Returns to Historic Mosque, Leads Friday Prayer after 4-Year Detention
The 50-year-old Farooq, who is also the chairman of a faction of All Parties Hurriyat Conference, a coalition of several pro-freedom parties, was greeted by emotional crowds who showered him with garlands, almonds and candy. Many people wept as they saw him ascend the pulpit of the medieval mosque, which has been a symbol of Kashmir's politics and religion.
Farooq also broke down in tears as he addressed the people from the mosque, which has been closed for prayers since August 2019, when India revoked the region's autonomy and imposed a harsh lockdown.
The mosque's management said they were informed by some officials from the administration, which is directly controlled by New Delhi, that Farooq could lead prayers at the mosque, which usually attracts the largest gatherings on Fridays and other important Muslim occasions like Eid and Lailat-ul-Qadr.
The nearby Nowhatta area was the hotspot of Friday protests that often turned violent between pro-freedom stone-pelters and police. However, since August 2019, no Friday or other prayers have been allowed at the mosque.
Farooq's release came days after the government freed Moulana Mushtaq Veeri and Moulana Dawoodi, two prominent religious leaders, who were detained under the Public Safety Act, a law that allows detention without trial for up to six months.
Hundreds of people, including most of the pro-freedom leadership, were jailed before and after August 2019. Farooq was one of the longest-detained leaders, only behind Syed Ali Geelani, the 89-year-old Hurriyat leader who died under house arrest in September 2021.
Source: Agencies
