Srinagar, Mar 27 (IANS): Friday congregations were not held in most mosques across the Kashmir Valley in the wake of coronavirus threat.

There were no congregations in Jama Masjid, Naqashband Sahib and Dastgeer Sahib shrines in Srinagar.

Many clerics had appealed to the people to offer prayers at their homes and not venture out for Friday prayers.

"I remained confined to my home and said my prayers at my home," said Mohammad Shafi, a resident of Batmalloo Srinagar.

Kashmir's grand mufti Nasirul Islam had appealed that there should be no Friday prayers in any mosque or shrine in Kashmir in the wake of coronavirus threat.

"The situation is very grave," he said. I appeal to people including imams and khateebs and managing bodies of all mosques and shrines across Kashmir not to hold Friday congregational prayers."

He said only three people, including the 'muazin' of masjid, should offer five times prayers in mosque, the rest should say their prayers at home.

Speaking to IANS, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir P.K. Pole told IANS: "We appeal to all to stay indoors and not gather in big congregations."

Earlier DC Srinagar Shahid Choudhary tweeted: "Prayers are equally effective from home. Don't call poeple out when everyone in world is #StayingHomeNow.

"Closing of religious places, which attract large gatherings, is an important step to save a whole population. Let's stay indoors, stay safe to be able to worship again".

Many say this is unprecedented in Kashmir -- Friday congregations have never been suspended in Kashmir, even during the prolonged lockdowns after the abrogation of Article 370 on August 5, 2019.