India Closes Major Mosque in Kashmir
According to TRT Arabic, the mosque, dating back to over 600 years ago, has been a major center for religious activities and Islamic sciences in the region.
The move by Indian authorizes has drawn widespread condemnation.
Critics say it shows that the claims by Narendra Modi’s government about protection of human rights and support for freedom of religion are false.
New Delhi claims that the mosque has been a center for provoking protests and conflicts that undermine security in Kashmir.
The disputed region of Kashmir is claimed by both India and Pakistan in full and ruled in part. Both countries have fought two wars over the area.
It faced several new restrictions in August 2019 when New Delhi scrapped Articles 370 and 35A of the constitution, which granted autonomy to the region.
The BJP government also divided the state into two federally administered units — the Union Territory of Ladakh and the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
The move was followed by a crackdown on political activity, mass arrests of hundreds of political leaders and activists, and a total lockdown of the region.
Kashmir has yet to have its democratic rights restored.
