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States » NorthPosted at: Mar 31 2025 8:50PM


No Eid prayers at Srinagar’s Jamia Masjid, Eidgah; decision sparks outrage

Srinagar, Mar 31 (UNI) Kashmir Chief cleric and Hurriyat Conference Chairman, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, on Monday said that authorities barred Eid prayers at Srinagar’s Eidgah and historic Jamia Masjid, while he was placed under house detention.

The decision to bar Eid prayers has drawn criticism from Mirwaiz Umar and former Chief Minister Mehooba Mufti.

Mirwaiz said that the decision not allowing Eid prayers at Eidgah and Jamia showcases the “oppressive and authoritarian approach that prevails in Kashmir today”.

“I am deeply pained and strongly condemn the authorities' decision to once again deny the Muslims of Kashmir the basic right to offer Eid prayers at Eidgah and Jama Masjid, which have been closed down, and I have been detained at home,” Mirwaiz said in a post on X.

“Even at the peak of militancy during the 1990’s Eid prayers were offered at Eidgah, so now, when huge claims of 'normalcy 'are made every day by the authorities, why are Muslims being kept away from their religious places and practices? What is the agenda? Is the collective identity of Kashmiri Muslims a threat to the rulers ?,” he asked.
He emphasized that Eidgah and Jama Masjid belong to the people of Kashmir, and barring them from accessing these sacred spaces on Eid reflects an "oppressive and authoritarian approach that prevails in Kashmir today."

On Sunday, hours after the management committee of the Jamia Masjid- Anjuman Auqaf Jama Masjid (AAJM) announced that the Eid prayers would be held at Srinagar’s historic Eidgah at 10 AM, the J&K Wakf Board Chairperson headed by BJP leader Darakshan Andrabi said that due to ongoing construction works, Eid prayers would not be offered at Eidgah ground in downtown Srinagar.

Reacting to the closure of the Eidgah and Jamia for Eid prayers, former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti said it is bad that these religious places were shut today.

"It is extremely unfortunate that our historic Jamia Masjid remains closed, and the Eidgah, where prayers are offered just twice a year, has also been shut. This reflects a failure on the part of the government,” she said.

The District authorities and the police have not issued any statements regarding the restrictions on Eid prayers at Jamia Masjid and Eidgah. The Jammu and Kashmir Police operates directly under the command of the Lieutenant Governor, not an elected government.

Last week authorities barred prayers at the historic Jamia Masjid in Srinagar on Shab-e-Qadr, one of the most auspicious nights of the Islamic calendar. The restrictions also extend to Friday congregational prayers on Jumat-ul-Vida, the final Friday of the holy month of Ramzan. On Jumat-ul-Vida, Mirwaiz was placed under house detention on Friday.
UNI MJR
Tags: #No Eid prayers at Srinagar’s Jamia Masjid# Eidgah; decision sparks outrage
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