APHC Condemns Ban on ‘Shab-e-Barat’ in IIOJK and House Arrest of Imam Jamia Mosque

The All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) has strongly condemned the ban on Shab-e-Barat prayers at Jamia Masjid in Srinagar and the house arrest of Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, highlighting India’s continued repression of Kashmiris’ religious freedoms.

The All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) has voiced strong condemnation over the prohibition of Shab-e-Barat prayers at Jamia Masjid in Srinagar, Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), and the house arrest of senior Hurriyat leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq. In a statement issued in Srinagar, APHC spokesman Advocate Abdul Rashid Minhas described the sealing of Jamia Masjid as unfortunate, stressing that this decision has deeply disappointed Kashmiri Muslims.

Minhas condemned the restrictions imposed on the Muslim community in Kashmir, particularly the ban on religious congregations during significant occasions such as Shab-e-Barat. He described these actions as an infringement on the right to religious practice and expression, further intensifying the ongoing repression faced by the Kashmiri people.

He praised the political maturity and resilience of the Kashmiri people, noting their unwavering commitment to the Kashmir cause and their right to self-determination. Minhas also acknowledged the sacrifices made by Kashmiri leaders and activists, many of whom are still incarcerated. Their steadfastness in opposing India on both domestic and international fronts was highlighted as a testament to their dedication to the Kashmir struggle.

The spokesman further criticized the intensified repression by Indian forces, particularly under the leadership of BJP’s Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha. He pointed out that these actions are taking place just before the onset of the holy month of Ramadan, exacerbating the hardships faced by the Muslim population in the region.

Minhas expressed serious concern over the rising number of arrests by Indian troops and police across Jammu and Kashmir. He called on the United Nations to exert pressure on India to halt its anti-Kashmir policies and human rights violations in the region. He also urged the international community to push for the release of thousands of political prisoners, including key Kashmiri leaders, who have been detained by the Indian government.

The APHC’s statement further emphasized the importance of resolving the Kashmir dispute in line with the aspirations of the Kashmiri people, reiterating that their struggle for self-determination must be recognized and respected by the international community.