State PCS - JAMMU & KASHMIR (JKAS)

• 14 Feb 2025

Central Mosque Closed on Shab-e-Baraat

Why in News? 

Authorities closed Srinagar’s central mosque, Jama Masjid, to prevent nightlong prayers on Shab-e-Baraat. 

 Key Points 

• Chief Cleric Under House Arrest: 
  • It is alleged that the authorities placed Kashmir’s chief cleric under house arrest, preventing him from carrying out his religious duties. 
• Criticism of the Decision: 
  • The decision was criticized, stating that repeated restrictions on religious gatherings hurt public sentiments and infringe upon fundamental religious rights. 
    • It lamented that worshippers frequently find the grand mosque forcibly closed during significant religious occasions. 
  • Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister termed the sealing of Jama Masjid on Shab-e-Baraat as unfortunate.  
    • He argued that the decision reflected a lack of confidence in both the people and law enforcement, asserting that Srinagar’s residents deserved better. 

 Shab-e-Barat 

• It is also known as the ‘Night of Emancipation’ and is observed on the night falling between the 14^th and 15^th day of the month of Shaban.  
• The destiny of every person is determined on this night.  
• Imam Muhammad Al-Mahdi, the twelfth imam is credited with ridding the world from oppression and injustice. 

Homage to Heroes of Pulwama Attack

Why in News? 

The Prime Minister paid homage to the courageous heroes of Pulwama terror attack of 2019. 

 Key Points 

• Pulwama Terror Attack: 
  • A Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) convoy of 78 vehicles, carrying over 2,500 jawans, was targeted in a deadly attack. 
  • The Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) claimed responsibility for the attack. 
    • A lone JeM suicide bomber carried out the attack by ramming a car loaded with approximately 350 kg of explosives into a CRPF bus. 
  • JeM’s Involvement in Past Attacks: 
    • JeM has been linked to several major attacks, including: 
      • The 2001 Indian Parliament attack. 
      • The 2016 Pathankot airbase attack, which killed seven security personnel. 
      • The 2016 Uri attack, which resulted in the deaths of 20 soldiers. 

 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) 

• About: 
  • The CRPF was initially established as the Crown Representatives Police in 1939 in response to political turmoil and unrest within the princely states. 
  • The force was renamed the Central Reserve Police Force in 1949. 
  • Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel, the then Home Minister, envisioned a multifaceted role for the CRPF, aligning its functions with the evolving needs of a newly independent nation. 
• Achievements and Contributions: 
  • The force has thwarted attacks on important national landmarks, controlled militancy in Punjab and insurgency in Tripura, and made significant contributions to eradicating Naxalism. 
• Honouring the Bravehearts: 
  • The CRPF has paid a heavy price, with 2,255 of its soldiers making the supreme sacrifice and being honoured with decorations, including the George Cross, Ashok Chakra, Kirti Chakra, Shaurya Chakra, etc.