J&K Govt Denies Funeral Prayers for Mirwaiz’s Father-in-Law at Srinagar’s Jamia Masjid
Srinagar 28 Feb 2025: In a move that has sparked widespread condemnation, the Jammu and Kashmir government denied permission to conduct the funeral prayers of Dr. Ghulam Sibtain Masood, the father-in-law of Hurriyat chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and brother of National Conference MLA Hasnain Masoodi, at Jamia Masjid in Srinagar on Thursday. Dr. Masood, 80, a former physician, passed away after a prolonged illness on Wednesday night.
Details of the Incident:
The family had planned for the funeral prayers to be offered at Jamia Masjid in the Old City after the afternoon prayers, with the burial to take place at his ancestral graveyard in Khrew, Pampore. However, police imposed restrictions around the mosque, sealing its gates and cordoning off its surroundings. As a result, the funeral was held at Wazir Mohammad Khan Bagat, Barzulla, on Thursday afternoon.
Mirwaiz’s Statement:
The Mirwaiz posted on X, “It is to inform that once again the authorities have sealed the gates of Jama Masjid, Srinagar, and cordoned its surroundings. They have informed that the namaz-e-jinazah (funeral prayers) of Dr. Ghulam Sibtain Masoodi which was to take place after ‘zuhr’ prayers today, will not be allowed at Jama Masjid. I strongly condemn the authorities for the use and display of force and power even in moments of grief and religious rituals.”
Political Reactions:
The decision was met with sharp criticism from both the opposition and the ruling National Conference.
- National Conference:
- Statement: The National Conference condemned the government for the restrictions at Jamia Masjid, stating, “The decision is deeply regrettable and wrong. Such actions are not only regressive but also demonstrate the hollowness of claims of normalcy in the region. It is precisely these kinds of steps that reveal the lack of trust the authorities have in their own assertions of peace and stability. The police in their short-sighted approach, fail to realise that restricting such basic rights only further erodes the trust and goodwill of the people.”
- People’s Democratic Party (PDP):
- Iltija Mufti’s Criticism: PDP leader Iltija Mufti criticized the authorities for barring the funeral prayers, stating, “Unfathomable and cruel that the authorities have barred the funeral prayers of Mirwaiz sahab’s father-in-law at Jama Masjid today. One assumed that after an elected government there’d be some relief, but instead they are complicit by their silence which has emboldened the Centre’s iron-fisted policy of repression.”
Condolences: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and several other leaders expressed their condolences. Abdullah wrote on X, “Sorry to hear about the demise of Dr. Sibtain Masoodi. May Allah grant the highest place in jannat to him. My condolences to the Mirwaiz and his loved ones. Dr. Masoodi was also the brother of my senior colleague @masoodi_hasnain. I send my heartfelt condolences.”
Bottom-Line: The decision to prevent the funeral prayers at Jamia Masjid has drawn sharp criticism from various political parties and leaders. The incident highlights the ongoing tensions and challenges in the region, with many calling for a more humane and respectful approach to such sensitive matters.
