SRINAGAR: The managing body of the historic Jamia Masjid in Srinagar said the authorities in Jammu and Kashmir disallowed Eid prayers at the mosque and the Eidgah in the city. The decision, which has been in effect for several years, was made known by the Anjuman Auqaf Jama Masjid, the mosque’s managing body.
A statement from the managing body stated, “This is to inform the public that authorities have conveyed to Anjuman Auqaf Jama Masjid that once again, Eid ul Adha prayers will not be allowed at the historic and central Eidgah Srinagar.”
The ban on Eid prayers at the Eidgah has been in place since 2016 when the killing of a rebel Burhan Wani led to concerns about law and order in the region. Protests erupted in the valley following Wani’s encounter on July 8, 2016, just days after Eid ul Fitr.
Despite the restrictions, however, Eid prayers were conducted peacefully across Kashmir. Adequate arrangements were made by the authorities and the Waqf board management at various Eidgahs and mosques to accommodate the devotees. Prominent figures like former chief ministers Dr. Farooq Abdullah and Omar Abdullah offered their prayers at the Hazratbal shrine, while similar gatherings took place at mosques in Srinagar city and other districts.
Reports from different districts, including Anantnag, Shopian, Kulgam, Pulwama, Budgam, Ganderbal, Bandipora, Baramulla, and Kupwara, highlighted significant turnouts of devotees. Religious leaders and preachers led the prayers, emphasizing the universal message of peace and coexistence as advocated by the holy Prophet.
No untoward incidents was reported from anywhere.
Similarly, Chrar-e-Sharief in Budgam and other Eidgahs across Jammu and Kashmir echoed with the resounding prayers of the faithful as people from various walks of life came together to celebrate the auspicious occasion.
In Jammu, the largest congregation was observed at Eid gah Jammu, where devotees gathered to offer prayers and seek blessings. The venue reverberated with the beautiful recitation of prayers and the heartfelt supplications of the worshipers.
An official said told news gatherer KNS that the administration and local authorities had made meticulous arrangements to ensure the smooth conduct of prayers and to facilitate the comfort and safety of the worshipers. Adequate security measures were put in place to maintain a peaceful environment. Eid prayers concluded on peaceful note, he added.
(Photographs used in this report are merely reprsentational.)
