Archive · 21 Aug 2026
Mirwaiz Says Srinagar Jama Masjid Pulpit Stands for Rights
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq gave a Friday sermon at the Jama Masjid in Srinagar.
He said he had not been allowed to speak there for almost two weeks.
He also said he was prevented from addressing a gathering at Naqshband Sahib.
Mirwaiz said the mosque’s pulpit has long helped people learn about their rights and responsibilities.
He said it has also spoken for minority rights and peaceful coexistence.
He described its work as peaceful and focused on dialogue.
He said restrictions on the pulpit appeared to be part of state policy.
The government has separately banned the organization he leads, citing anti-national activities, secessionist propaganda and support for terrorism.
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq delivered the Friday sermon at Srinagar’s Jama Masjid after nearly two weeks of restrictions.
He said he had been prevented from addressing Friday prayers and a gathering at Naqshband Sahib.
Mirwaiz said the historic pulpit has promoted awareness of people’s rights, duties and minority concerns.
He described the pulpit’s activities as peaceful, principled, dignified and based on dialogue.
The Awami Action Committee, which Mirwaiz heads, was banned by the Ministry of Home Affairs for five years on March 11, 2025.
- Who
- Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, chief cleric of Srinagar’s Jama Masjid and head of the Awami Action Committee.
- What
- He delivered a Friday sermon and said the historic pulpit has consistently represented the rights and concerns of the people.
- When
- After nearly two weeks of restrictions; the Awami Action Committee’s five-year ban was imposed on March 11, 2025.
- Where
- Jama Masjid in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir; the earlier gathering was at Naqshband Sahib.
- Why
- Mirwaiz said the pulpit’s role is to educate people, raise awareness of rights and duties, advocate concerns and promote peaceful coexistence.
Mirwaiz’s Position
Government’s Position
Restrictions on the pulpit
Mirwaiz’s Position
Mirwaiz said he was prevented from delivering the Friday sermon and addressing a gathering, and said attempts to silence the pulpit appeared to be part of state policy.
Government’s Position
The article does not provide a specific government explanation for the restrictions on his sermons.
Awami Action Committee
Mirwaiz’s Position
Mirwaiz said the pulpit’s activities have been peaceful, principled and dignified, emphasizing dialogue over confrontation.
Government’s Position
The Ministry of Home Affairs declared the Awami Action Committee an unlawful organization for five years, citing anti-national activities, secessionist propaganda and support for terrorism.
Role of the pulpit
Mirwaiz’s Position
Mirwaiz said it educates people, raises awareness of rights and duties, advocates aspirations and voices minority concerns.
Government’s Position
The government’s stated case against the organization focuses on alleged anti-national and pro-terrorism activities rather than the pulpit’s religious and social role.
- Speaker
- Mirwaiz Umar Farooq
- Location
- Jama Masjid, Srinagar
- Restriction period
- Nearly two weeks
- Organization
- Awami Action Committee
- Ban duration
- Five years
- Ban date
- March 11, 2025
- Government rationale
- The Ministry of Home Affairs cited anti-national activities, secessionist propaganda and support for terrorism.