Srinagar’s historic Jamia Masjid which was priorly closed for Shab-e-Qadr and Jamaat-al-Vida due to security threats opened up for Isha and Tarweeh prayers, with a large security force of police and paramilitary gathering in the area to restrict the movement of the people.
Police had previously banned any kind of public gathering and prayers in the Jamia Majid due to threat of terrorist occupation. According to an intel, a possible terror attack could’ve taken place on Thursday or Friday in the masjid located in Nowhatta area.
Although the Jamia Masjid remained closed due to the security threat, devotees gathered in Dargah Hazratbal and other masjids all across the Shrinagar valley. Many of the Muslim devotees offered their Friday prayers on the street, in front of the masjids. Jamia Masjid’s and Hazratbal’s route encountered a large gathering, people across the valley filled the roads while going to pray.
The decision to shut down the mosque temporarily was taken after J&K chief secretary Arun Kumar Mehta visited the three masjids, Khanqah-e-Moula, Jamia Masjid and Dargah Hazratbal on Thursday, to review the stand of security in the locations. These steps were taken to ensure public safety during the prayers of the Ramadan month.
