Eid prayers barred in Srinagar’s Jama Masjid for eighth year in a row

The authorities on Wednesday did not allow the Eid prayers in Srinagar’s Jama Masjid. The chief cleric of Kashmir, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, who traditionally leads the Eid prayers was put under house arrest, he said in a post on X.

The Mirwaiz wrote; “For the 8th consecutive year, Muslims of Kashmir have been denied the right to offer Eid prayers at the historic Eidgah/Jama Masjid, and I have been placed under house arrest. On the revered and celebratory occasion of Eid , Muslims of Kashmir are greeted with barricades, restrictions, locked gates and intimidation”.
“This is not governance; it is a systematic assault on our religious identity, dignity and fundamental rights which deeply hurts us”, he said.

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“It is very unfortunate that children in Kashmir are growing up without witnessing the spiritually uplifting Eid prayers at Eidgah and the festivities thereof. An entire generation is being deprived of knowing their traditions and making memories that have shaped our collective life for centuries. But let those in power know that no power on earth can erase the deep spiritual bond people of Kashmir share with Eidgah, Jama Masjid and their religious institutions. Faith cannot be imprisoned or suppressed through force”, Mirwaiz added.

Meanwhile, amid tight security arrangements, Eid was celebrated across Jammu and Kashmir with large congregations of Muslims offering prayers at mosques and eidgahs.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, ruling National Conference chief Dr. Farooq Abdullah and other leaders were among a large number of people who offered Eid prayers at Hazratbal in Srinagar.

The largest congregation in Jammu was witnessed at the Eidgah on Residency Road, followed by significant gatherings at Mecca Masjid Bathindi and Jamia Masjid Talab Khatikan. Devotees in large numbers participated in special prayers held early in the morning.