J&K Apni Party has expressed disappointment and concern over the decision taken by the administration and police to not allow Eid prayers at Eidgah in Srinagar and castigated the administration for not allowing Jumat ul vida prayers in Jamia Masjid today.
In a press statement, Vice President and Media Head of Apni party, Syed Basharat Bukhari criticised the authorities for denying people the right to practice their religion freely and without any hindrance.
Bukhari said that it was Chairperson J&K Waqf Board Mohtarma Darakshan Andrabi, who made a statement that Eid prayers would be allowed at Eidgah, which was positively welcomed by all. However, now that police sources have contradicted her statement, raising questions about the true intentions of the administration and police.
“Surprisingly the Home Minister and LG have time and again stated that security is sound and foolproof in Kashmir, which raises the question of why security would suddenly become a problem on Eid day. If the security is indeed foolproof then it appears as though the administration does not want people to offer Eid prayers, which is unacceptable. Or else the HM and LG should accept and acknowledge that security in Kashmir is fragile”, he said.
Bukhari said that Eid is a religious occasion that is celebrated by Muslims across the world with great enthusiasm and devotion and denying people the right to offer Eid prayers is a violation of their fundamental rights and a threat to the secular fabric of our country
“It is a time for family and community gatherings and an opportunity to strengthen bonds of brotherhood and harmony. By denying people the right to offer prayers, the administration and police are creating a sense of disappointment and disillusionment among the people”, he added
Bukhari urged the administration and police to reconsider their decision and allow people to offer Eid prayers at Eidgah in Srinagar.
“I want to remind the administration that we live in a democratic country where every citizen has the right to practice their religion freely and without any hindrance. It is the responsibility of the administration and police to ensure the safety and security of the people while also respecting their religious beliefs and traditions”, he added.