Mainstream Politicians Pray at Kashmir's Jamia Masjid, Known for 'Anti-India' Protests, After Decades

For the first time, after decades since terrorism erupted in Jammu and Kashmir, a leader from a mainstream political party visited the Jamia Masjid in the heart of downtown Srinagar and offered prayers on Monday. The historic mosque has been the epicentre of “anti-India” protests in the past with frequent clashes after Friday congregations.

Syed Altaf Bukhari, who formed the Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party after the abrogation of Article 370, entered the mosque and offered prayers while campaigning for the Lok Sabha elections. He was accompanied by his party’s Srinagar candidate Mohammad Ashraf Mir and other leaders.

His visit to Jamia Masjid came after Kashmir’s chief priest and separatist leader Mirwaiz Umar said the Hurriyat was not against the idea of elections, and that the call to boycott made no sense after the revocation of special status to J&K. He has been leading Friday congregational prayers at the mosque and has blamed the government for restricting his movement and stopping him from his religious obligations.

Bukhari told reporters that Mirwaiz never promoted violence, but a narrative was created against him. “Mirwaiz was never in favour of violence, a narrative has been created that he supports violence. His family has been targeted since 1947, but they have never advocated violence. People also called us agents and whatnot,” he said, adding, “I want to credit the people for the peace. I feel happy to be inside this mosque today.”

In 2015, Mufti Mohammed Sayeed visited the mosque’s periphery but did not enter. For decades, clashes between the security forces and youth were a common sight at Jamia and the areas surrounding it. Street violence has now reduced after a crackdown by the Centre.

A Pakistan-based terror outfit recently slammed Mirwaiz for his statement about elections, terming it “cowardice”. His father Mirwaiz Mohammad Farooq was killed inside his home 33 years ago. The police say it was done on the instructions of an ISI (Inter-Services Intelligence) handler in Pakistan.

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