Authorities Restrict Funeral Prayers of Mirwaiz Umar Farooq’s Father-in-Law at Jama Masjid Srinagar

Srinagar, Feb 27, KNT: Dr. Ghulam Sibtain Masoodi, father-in-law of Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir, Dr. Molvi Mohammad Umar Farooq, passed away late last night after a prolonged illness. His Namaz-e-Janazah was initially scheduled to be offered at Jama Masjid Srinagar after Zuhr prayers, followed by burial at his ancestral graveyard in Khrew, Pampore.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed his condolences on the demise of Dr. Masoodi. Taking to social media platform X, Abdullah wrote, “Inna Lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un. Sorry to hear about the demise of Dr. Sibtain Masoodi Sb, father-in-law of Mirwaiz Umar Farooq. May Allah grant highest place in Jannat to Dr. Masoodi. My condolences to the Mirwaiz & his loved ones.”

However, authorities disallowed the scheduled funeral prayers at Jama Masjid Srinagar, sealing the gates and cordoning off the area ahead of the prayers.

In a statement, Mirwaiz Manzil strongly condemned the move, stating, “It is to inform that once again the authorities have sealed the gates of Jama Masjid Srinagar and cordoned its surroundings and informed that the Namaz-e-Janazah of Dr. Ghulam Sibtain Masoodi will not be allowed at Jama Masjid. Mirwaiz Manzil strongly condemns the authorities for use and display of force and power even in moments of grief and religious rituals.”

Following the restrictions, the funeral prayers were relocated and offered at Masjid Wazir Mohammad Khan, Bagat Barzulla, at 2 PM today