Fri Apr 18 20:54:00 UTC 2025: ## Kashmir’s Chief Cleric Accuses Authorities of House Arrest

**Srinagar, April 19, 2025** – Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, the chief cleric of Kashmir and chairman of the Hurriyat Conference, has accused authorities of repeatedly placing him under house arrest to prevent him from leading Friday prayers at Srinagar’s Jama Masjid. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Farooq stated that this restriction aims to pressure him into silence and weaken Muslim institutions in the Kashmir Valley. He further criticized the move as authoritarian and sectarian.

Farooq’s political organization, the Awami Action Committee (AAC), has also been banned by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). He is currently challenging his house detention in the High Court.

The Jammu and Kashmir Police, under Lieutenant-Governor Manoj Sinha, has yet to comment on the matter. However, the National Conference (NC), a regional political party, has condemned the restrictions, calling them deeply unjust and a violation of religious freedom. NC legislator Tanvir Sadiq emphasized that genuine normalcy must apply to everyone. The Mirwaiz has also been a vocal opponent of the anti-Waqf (Amendments) Act in Jammu and Kashmir.

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