Srinagar, Oct 13: Anjuman Auqaf Jamia Masjid Srinagar on Wednesday said that congregational Friday prayers will be held at the grand mosque on October 15 in view of the blessed month of Rabi-ul-Awwal and the decline in COVID-19 infections.

“While all mosques, shrines, imambaras including Dargah Hazratbal have opened for prayers in view of the ongoing holy month of Rabi-ul-Awwal and diminishing graph of COVID-19 cases in Jammu and Kashmir, the authorities have no justification to keep J&K’s largest place of worship -Jama Masjid Srinagar closed,” the Anjuman Auqaf, which manages the mosque said in a statement.

It said the mosque will be opened for Friday prayers on October 15 under strict observance of COVID -19 SOPS and guidelines.

The Auqaf said that on this occasion, people will make special arrangements for prayers to seek salvation of humanity from COVID-19 pandemic along with repentance of sins, before Almighty Allah.

It also demanded release of Mirwaiz Umar Farooq for him to resume the weekly Friday congregational sermon at the mosque.