1-Minute Silence in Memory of Victims

IN a rare gesture, worshippers observed a one-minute silence in memory of the Pahalgam terrorist attack victims during Friday's congregational prayers at the historic Jamia Masjid.

- FAYAZ WANI @ Srinagar

The event was also notable because the Masjid had been the hub of separatists since militancy erupted in Jammu and Kashmir.

Hurriyat Conference leader and cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq was allowed to visit Jamia Masjid after four weeks and give the Friday sermon. He led the silent tribute to the victims.

In his sermon, the Mirwaiz, whose party Awami Action Committee (AAC) was recently banned by the Centre under UAPA, strongly condemned the terrorist attack on pilgrims in Pahalgam.