The administration is considering reopening the historic Jamia Masjid in the next week.

SRINAGAR — The Jammu and Kashmir administration is mulling to reopen the historic Jamia Masjid in Old City area of Nowhatta for prayers after 30 weeks.

The Masjid remained closed for the mandatory congregational prayers for 30 straight weeks.

The congregational Friday prayers at Kashmir’s historic mosque have been disallowed for 156 Fridays in the last six years.

After July 8, 2016, when Burhan Wani was killed, Jamia Masjid saw the longest siege since 1819. The mosque remained under continuous siege for 18 consecutive weeks, the longest since Sikhs ruled Kashmir.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) said that the administration is considering reopening the historic Jamia Masjid in the next week.

Meanwhile, IGP Kashmir and Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir today visited the Masjid to review the arrangements. The duo also held a meeting in this regard with Imam Jamia and Secretary Auqaf Jamia Masjid.

Pertinently, the head cleric of Jamia Masjid, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, continues to remain under house arrest.