Clarion India
SRINAGAR — Authorities did not allow Eid prayers at the historic Jamia Masjid as well as the Eidgah in the city, according to the managing body of the mosque.
The management committee of the Jamia Masjid on Wednesday said they were informed by the authorities that Eid prayers would not be allowed at Srinagar’s historic Eidgah.
“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 on Thursday (June 29),” reads a statement issued by the Auqaf on Wednesday. “The district administration conveyed this decision to Anjuman Auqaf officials on Wednesday morning,” the statement added.
Eid prayers have not taken place at the Eidgah since 2016 after the killing of then Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani, as the authorities apprehend law and order issues.
The Auqaf has termed the government decision to ban the Eid prayers at Eidgah as “unfortunate and condemnable,” according to media reports.
“Barring prayers at Eidgah, which is the central place designated for special community prayers, is extremely unfortunate and condemnable, hurting the sentiments of lakhs of Muslims of the Valley and outside and a poor reflection on the state of affairs in Jammu and Kashmir,” Auqaf said.
The Auqaf also denounced the continued detention of Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, who traditionally delivers the Eid sermon at Eidgah before Eid prayers.
“Despite appeals by various religious, political, social organisations and the civil society regarding the release of its chairman Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Dr Moulvi Muhammad Umar Farooq, he is being continuously detained, which is extremely sad and disturbing,” the Auqaf said.
