Mehbooba Mufti, the president of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has voiced sharp criticism against the administration for the closure of the historic Jama Masjid on the significant occasion of Shab-e Qadr.
In a tweet, Mufti expressed disappointment over the decision, stating, “How unfortunate that on the auspicious occasion of Shab-e Qadr Jama Masjid has been locked up to prevent people from offering prayers & Mirwaiz put under house arrest yet again. Land, resources, religion – what all will you deprive Kashmiris of?”
How unfortunate that on the auspicious occasion of Shab-e Qadr Jama Masjid has been locked up to prevent people from offering prayers & Mirwaiz put under house arrest yet again. Land, resources, religion – what all will you deprive Kashmiris of? pic.twitter.com/ZmkXl7i7Ak
— Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) April 6, 2024
Mufti also highlighted the alleged house arrest of Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, further adding to the discontent regarding the limitations imposed on religious practices in the region.
Despite these restrictions, hundreds of devotees gathered at the Hazratbal Dargah to observe Shab-e-Qadr on Saturday evening, underscoring the resilience and devotion of the local community.
This incident comes amidst a dynamic political landscape in Jammu and Kashmir, with Mehbooba Mufti’s recent announcement of the PDP’s intention to field candidates in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in the Union Territory. The decision follows a similar declaration from Omar Abdullah of the National Conference, signalling an intensifying political competition in the region.
The National Conference and the Peoples Democratic Party, as part of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance, have united to challenge the BJP in the upcoming elections, reflecting a strategic shift in the political alliances in Jammu and Kashmir.
The Lok Sabha polls in the Union Territory are scheduled to take place in the first five phases on April 19 (Udhampur), April 26 (Jammu), May 7 (Anantnag-Rajouri), May 13 (Srinagar), and May 20 (Baramulla), with the counting of votes slated for June 4.
