Srinagar, December 18: Srinagar’s Jamia Masjid re-opened for prayers on Wednesday for the first time since the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir. According to reports, Mufti Ghulam Rasool led around 100 worshippers inside Srinagar’s largest mosque. The grand mosque was first cleaned by the mosque authorities - Anjuman-e-Auqaf - headed by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, who also heads a faction of Hurriyat Conference. Domicile Rules in Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh May be Changed to Make 15-Year Residency Must For Owning Land: Report.

The mosque officials also checked the sound system before the call for prayer emanated from the minarets. “We decided to clean the mosque today (Wednesday) and conducted Zuhr and Asr (afternoon) prayers for the first time after August 5,” a senior Auqaf member told IANS. The Auqaf committee has now decided to hold congregational prayers on Friday in the mosque.

The mosque was closed since the Centre scrapped the special status of the state. Last month, restriction for holding prayers inside the mosque were lifted. However, Auqaf refused to hold prayers until security forces are removed from all gates and masjid surroundings. Jammu & Kashmir: Ex-CM Farooq Abdullah's Detention Extended For 3 Months by UT Administration.

On August 5, the Centre scrapped special status of J&K by diluting Article 370. The state was also bifurcated into two union territories -  Jammu And Kashmir and Ladakh. After the move, communication black-out was imposed in the Valley. Though in October, postpaid mobile services were restored, but internet services are still suspended.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 18, 2019 07:00 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).