Eid Prayers Barred In Srinagar's Jama Masjid Including Eidgah, Managing Body Terms It 'Unfortunate'

Traditionally, the congregational Eid prayers are offered at Eidgah, but the government has barred people from offering prayers there since 2016.

As the country celebrates Eid-ul-Adha, the authorities in Srinagar have disallowed Eid prayers at the historic Jama Masjid in the city including, the Eidgah, the mosque’s managing body said adding that it was unfortunate, according to PTI. Traditionally, the congregational Eid prayers are offered at Eidgah, but the government has barred people from offering prayers there since 2016. A statement said, the district administration officials conveyed the decision to Anjuman Auqaf on Wednesday morning.

In the statement, the managing body of the Jamia Masjid said, "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 statement said that barring prayers at the Eidgah which is designated for such special community prayers is “unfortunate and condemnable”. It further stated that it hurts the sentiment of the lakhs of Muslims in the Valley and outside and is also a poor reflection on the state of Jammu and Kashmir, reported PTI.

"Barring prayers at Eidgah which is the central place designated for these special community prayers for centuries 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," the statement said.

On Tuesday, the Auqaf announced that the Eid prayers would be held at Srinagar’s historic Eidgah on Thursday morning. The Auquaf had said that in case of inclement weather, the prayers would be offered at Srinagar’s grand mosque.

Wani, then a poster boy of militancy in the valley, was killed in an encounter with security forces on July 8, 2016 – three days after Eid ul Fitr. Wani’s killing led to months of protests in the valley. The Anjuman also denounced the continued detention of Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir, Mohammad Umar Farooq, who traditionally delivers the Eid sermon at Eidgah before Eid prayers.

The Mirwaiz is under house detention since August 5, 2019, when the Centre abrogated Article 370 of the Constitution, which gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir.

Despite appeals by various religious, political, social organisations and the civil society for Mirwaiz''s release, "he is being continuously detained, which is extremely sad and disturbing," the Auqaf said.