Srinagar, August 17, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Senior religious leader and chief cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on Monday alleged that authorities placed him under house arrest and prevented him from addressing a religious congregation in Srinagar.
In a post on X, Mirwaiz Umar said he had been denied permission to address the traditional Khawaja Diger gathering at Naqshband Sahab, observed annually on the third day of Rabi-ul-Awwal. He claimed that tens of thousands of people were expected to attend the religious 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 said.
He alleged that preventing him from delivering religious sermons amounted to “insensitivity and disrespect” towards the religious rights of Muslims, particularly their right to hear sermons and participate in spiritual gatherings.
Mirwaiz Umar also appealed to elected governments to protect the religious rights of Muslims in both the Kashmir Valley and Jammu region.
The allegation comes days after he was placed under house arrest on Friday and prevented from delivering the traditional Friday sermon at the historic Jama Masjid in Nowhatta, Srinagar.
Authorities have maintained that Mirwaiz Umar is at times placed under house arrest as a precautionary measure for his personal security and to maintain law and order.
Mirwaiz Umar also heads the Awami Action Committee (AAC), which has been declared a banned organisation by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
The MHA imposed a five-year ban on the Jammu and Kashmir Awami Action Committee under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) on March 11, 2025.
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