Friday prayers have been stopped at the Grand Mosque in Srinagar for the 20th consecutive week now.
The place of worship was first shut on August 5, 2019, following the abrogation of J&K’s special status and then subsequently due to the pandemic. But now, with other religious institutions opening around the country (including mosques in other parts of J&K), residents of the Nowhatta area (where the mosque is located) are accusing the authorities of unwarranted interference and hurting religious sentiments.
On condition of anonymity, one resident says, “If political rallies can be held, then surely the mosque can be opened.”
