Kashmir witnessed widespread protests on Friday against the U.S. move to shift its Israeli embassy to Jerusalem, forcing the authorities to impose restrictions in Srinagar and place separatists under house arrest.
No Friday prayers were allowed at Srinagar’s historic Jamia Masjid which hosts one of the biggest congregations in the Valley. Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, head priest and chairman of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference, was not allowed to step out of his house in Nigeen.
“The authoritarian regime imposed restrictions and disallowed Muslims from offerings Friday prayers and register their resentment to the US decision peacefully,” said the Mirwaiz. He termed the U.S. move “unacceptable to the Muslim world.”
Tehreek-e-Hurriyat chairman Syed Ali Geelani was also stopped from joining the prayers. Volatile areas of the city’s Nowhatta, M.R. Gunj and Safakadal were placed under restrictions.
However, post-prayers protests were held in Srinagar’s Maisuma and Hasanabad localities, where devotees held anti-U.S. demonstrations. Protesters also set an effigy of U.S. President Donald Trump on fire. A protest march was held in Budgam.
In north Kashmir, demonstrations were held in parts of Handwara and Kupwara. In south Kashmir, Pulwama and Anantnag witnessed stone throwing and clashes. Protests were held in Ladakh’s Kargil and Drass areas too.
Published - December 08, 2017 09:39 am IST
