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Thousands Gather for Peaceful Eid Prayers Across Jammu and Kashmir

Thousands of devotees gathered peacefully for Eid prayers across Jammu and Kashmir, with the largest congregation at Srinagar's Hazratbal shrine. However, prayers were disallowed for the seventh consecutive year at the historic Jama Masjid in Srinagar, a decision criticized by Chief Cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq. Political leaders, including former and current chief ministers, joined the congregations. Officials reported peaceful proceedings with heightened security, noting this was the first Eid following recent US-Israeli air strikes on Iran.

Key Points: Eid Prayers Held Peacefully Across Jammu and Kashmir

  • Over 70,000 at Hazratbal shrine
  • Prayers barred at Jama Masjid
  • Political leaders joined congregations
  • No untoward incidents reported
  • Security heightened post Iran strikes
2 min read

Thousands join peaceful Eid prayers in J&K

Large crowds offered Eid prayers in J&K. Prayers were barred at Srinagar's Jama Masjid, drawing criticism from Mirwaiz Umar Farooq.

"For the seventh consecutive year, amid restrictions and house arrests, Eid prayers remain barred at Jama Masjid. - Mirwaiz Umar Farooq"

Srinagar/Jammu, March 21 Large gatherings were seen on Saturday at the Eid congregational prayers throughout the Kashmir Valley and in the Jammu division as devotees came out in large numbers for the thanksgiving prayer after the completion of the holy month of Ramadan.

The largest gathering of devotees was seen at the Hazratbal shrine on the outskirts of Srinagar city. Over 70,000 devotees offered Eid prayers at the Hazratbal shrine on Saturday.

Former chief minister Dr Farooq Abdullah, his son and the present Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and the president of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Mehbooba Mufti, joined the congregational prayers at the Hazratbal shrine.

Eid prayers were not, however, allowed due to reasons of law and order maintenance at the Jama Masjid in the Nowhatta area of Srinagar city.

Chief cleric and Mirwaiz Umar Farooq criticised the authorities for disallowing Eid prayers at Jama Masjid. He said on X, "For the seventh consecutive year, amid restrictions and house arrests, Eid prayers remain barred at Jama Masjid. A day of celebration turned to grief and denial for Muslims.

"It's an irony of our times that those who lock our mosques and Eidgahs are the first to wish us, Eid Mubarak!"

At all district headquarters, including Srinagar, Budgam, Baramulla, Kupwara, Bandipora, Ganderbal, Pulwama, Shopian, Kulgam and Anantnag, large crowds of Muslims were seen at different mosques during the Eid prayers.

Children wearing new clothes accompanied their parents to almost all places, while elders greeted and hugged each other after the conclusion of the prayers.

Similar prayers were held in different parts of the Jammu division, and the largest gathering of devotees was seen at the Eidgah grounds adjacent to the Residency Road in Jammu city.

Reports of peaceful Eid prayers have also come in from Poonch, Rajouri, Ramban, Reasi, Doda, Kishtwar, Samba and Kathua districts of Jammu division.

Officials said Eid prayers were held peacefully throughout Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday, and no untoward incident was reported from anywhere.

Authorities had made adequate arrangements for security throughout the Union Territory, especially since this is the first Eid after the US-Israeli air strikes on Iran.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Good to see peaceful celebrations. However, the report about Jama Masjid is concerning. For seven years? Authorities should find a way to allow prayers there while ensuring security. A balance must be struck. Denial of religious freedom, even for security reasons, leaves a bitter taste.
R
Rohit P
Security arrangements by the authorities deserve credit. With the situation in West Asia, it was a sensitive time. No untoward incident is the biggest news. Jai Hind.
S
Sarah B
The image of children in new clothes with their parents is so universal and beautiful. Eid Mubarak to all celebrating! It's wonderful to see such large, peaceful gatherings.
V
Vikram M
Seeing leaders from different parties praying together at Hazratbal is a positive sign. We need more of this unity in our political discourse. Peace in J&K benefits all Indians.
K
Karthik V
The Mirwaiz's criticism is valid. "Eid Mubarak" wishes feel hollow if you're simultaneously barring people from their historic mosque. The authorities need to review this long-standing restriction at Jama Masjid. There has to be a better solution.

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