For the third consecutive Friday, the authorities disallowed the congregational prayers at Srinagar’s historic Jamia Masjid, the managing body of the mosque said.

Sources said the mosque in old Srinagar was closed in the downtown as authorities apprehend anti Israel and pro Palestine protests.

Anjuman Auqaf Jama (AAJ) Masjid said that Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, who was recently released from house detention was placed under house arrest and barred from delivering the Friday sermon.

“For the third consecutive week, Friday mandatory prayers disallowed at Jama Masjid Srinagar : AAJ. Mirwaiz again placed under house detention, barred from delivering sermon at Jama Masjid for 3rd consecutive Friday,” Mirwaiz Manzil posted on X.

Police and central forces were deployed in and around the historical mosque to ensure peace in the area.

Earlier this week, several leaders and activists of People’s Democratic Party (PDP) were detained or placed under house arrest to prevent them from taking out pro-Palestine protests.

(With UNI inputs)