Indian Authorities Deny Funeral Prayers for Dr. Sibtain Masoodi at Jamia Masjid, Srinagar

In a controversial move, Indian authorities have denied permission for the funeral prayers of Dr. Sibtain Masoodi, sparking concerns over freedom of religious practices and law and order in Srinagar.

Indian authorities have denied permission for the funeral prayers of Dr. Sibtain Masoodi, the father-in-law of Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, at the Jamia Masjid in Nowhatta, Srinagar. The authorities cited concerns over maintaining “law and order” as the primary reason for their decision to withhold approval for the religious ceremony.

Dr. Masoodi, who passed away late at night after a prolonged illness, was set to be laid to rest following the funeral prayers at Jamia Masjid after the Zuhr prayers on the same day. The authorities’ decision to deny permission was conveyed to the family of Dr. Sibtain Masoodi, who had made arrangements for the prayers to be held at the mosque.

It is important to note that Dr. Sibtain Masoodi was a well-known figure in the region. He was also the brother of the current Pampore MLA, Justice (Retd) Hasnain Masoodi. His passing has led to a wave of sorrow among family members and the local community, with many now expressing their disappointment and frustration over the denial of funeral prayers at the historic mosque.

The denial of permission for religious practices, particularly the funeral prayers of such a prominent figure, has raised concerns about the ongoing restrictions on religious and cultural freedoms in Kashmir. This incident has sparked discussions about the extent of control over religious gatherings in the region and the justifications provided by the authorities for such actions.

While authorities maintain that the decision was made to prevent any potential law and order issues, many view it as a suppression of religious and personal rights, particularly in an area already marked by political sensitivity and unrest. The refusal to allow a traditional religious ceremony at a local mosque adds to the growing concerns regarding the limitations on religious freedom in Kashmir under Indian rule.

The decision has also drawn attention to the broader political context in the region, with critics claiming that the denial of such basic rights only deepens the sense of alienation among the people of Kashmir. With the funeral prayers being denied at Jamia Masjid, it remains to be seen how this incident will impact public sentiment and further shape the ongoing political and religious landscape in the region.