ISLAMABAD: Pakistan condemned the closure of the historic Jamia Masjid in Srinagar on the last Friday of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, calling it a violation of religious freedom in Indian-administered Kashmir.
The Jamia Masjid, located in Srinagar’s old city, has frequently faced restrictions on large congregational prayers since August 2019, when India revoked the semi-autonomous status of the Muslim-majority region and imposed sweeping security measures.
Authorities in the past have cited law-and-order concerns since large gatherings at the mosque have sometimes been followed by protests in the surrounding areas.
“Preventing worshippers from offering congregational prayers at one of the most revered mosques in the Valley constitutes a serious violation of religious freedom and fundamental human rights in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir,” the foreign ministry said in a statement.
“For the seventh consecutive year since India’s illegal actions of 5 August 2019, the occupation authorities have sealed the mosque and barred Kashmiri Muslims from gathering for prayers on this spiritually significant day,” it added.
Kashmir has been at the heart of over 70 years of hostility between India and Pakistan, both of which claim it in full but rule it in part, and have fought two of their three wars over it.
Pakistan urged the international community, including the United Nations and human rights organizations, to take notice of the restrictions.
“Such restrictions on religious practice, particularly during the sacred month of Ramzan, are deeply concerning,” the statement said.
India has repeatedly rejected Pakistan’s criticism of its policies in Kashmir, describing the region as its integral part and saying that security measures are aimed at preventing unrest and militant activity.
The Jamia Masjid is one of the largest mosques in the Kashmir Valley and has historically served as a focal point for both religious gatherings and political expression in the region, with authorities occasionally restricting access during periods of heightened tension.
