Srinagar: The downtown traders on Thursday staged protest against the administration for disallowing the Friday prayers at the historic Jamia Masjid from past six consecutive weeks.
The downtown traders were also protesting against the continuous detention of Hurriyat (M) Chairman, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq.
The traders were joined by representatives of Kashmir Traders and Manufacturers Forum (KTMF) who were holding placards and chanting slogans.
The protesters were demanding an immediate end to Jamia Masjid lockdown, release of Mirwaiz.
The protesting traders said that the authorities are barring people to offer mandatory Friday congregational prayers at the historic Jamia Masjid from past consecutive six weeks.
“The government action is direct religious interference, which must come to an end,” they said, adding that the frequent restrictions in Srinagar areas have resulted in the losses to the business community.
“We are facing tremendous hardships due to the frequent restriction that are being imposed in most parts of Srinagar,” they said, adding that the government must look into the sufferings of traders.
The traders further said that the Hurriyat (M) chief and the head cleric of Jami Masjid, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, who continues to remain under house detention, must be released at earliest.
Meanwhile, the protesting traders later dispersed peacefully. (KNS)
