Srinagar, Feb 27 (Reporter) Authorities on Thursday sealed the gates of Jamia Masjid in old Srinagar and cordoned off its surroundings, disallowing the funeral prayers of Ghulam Sibtain Masoodi, father-in-law of Hurriyat chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, a statement by Mirwaiz’s office said. Masoodi, 80, a well-respected medical professional, who spent 28 years of his life in the United States, passed away in the late hours of the night after a prolonged illness. His funeral prayers were scheduled to be held in the afternoon at the historic Jamia Masjid. “It is to inform that once again the authorities have sealed the gates of Jama Masjid Srinagar and cordoned its surroundings and informed that the namaz e Jinazah of Dr. Ghulam Sibtain Masoodi, father-in-law of Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir, Molvi Mohammad Umar Farooq, who passed away yesterday night , and was to take place after zuhr prayers today , will not be allowed at Jama Masjid,” the statement by the Mirwaiz office said. “Mirwaiz Manzil strongly condemns the authorities for use and display of force and power even in moments of grief and religious rituals,” the statement added. The funeral prayers would be now be offered at Masjid Wazir Mohammad Khan Bagat Barzulla at 2 pm. There was no official word from the local authorities for disallowing the funeral prayers at Jamia. Meanwhile, J&K chief minister Omar Abdullah condolences to the Mirwaiz. “..Sorry to hear about the demise of Dr Sibtain Masoodi Sb, father-in-law of Mirwaiz Umar Farooq. May Allah grant highest place in Jannat to Dr Masoodi...////...