Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Questions Administration's Normalcy Claims After Eid Prayer Restrictions
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah voiced serious concerns on Saturday regarding the blocking of Eid prayers at Srinagar's historic Jamia Mosque. He described the situation as "regrettable" and directly challenged the claims of "normality" made by the Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha-led administration in the Union territory.
Administration's Actions Expose Contradictions, Says Omar Abdullah
Speaking at the Hazratbal shrine, Omar Abdullah pointed out the stark contradiction in the administration's narrative. "Across Jammu and Kashmir, Eid prayers were offered. However, prayers were not permitted at Jamia Mosque. This exposes the administration that controls security and law and order. They repeatedly assert that the situation is completely normal. What kind of normalcy is it when permission is denied for prayers at Srinagar's largest mosque?" he stated emphatically.
The Chief Minister expressed a strong hope that such restrictive decisions would be thoroughly reviewed, allowing people the fundamental freedom to offer prayers without hindrance. Under the current Union territory arrangement, which was established following the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, police and security matters fall squarely under the jurisdiction of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha.
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq Details Seventh Year of Restrictions and House Arrest
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, the chief cleric of Kashmir who traditionally delivers sermons at Jamia Mosque, reported that he was placed under house arrest and the shrine was locked. Sharing photographs on social media platform X of the secured mosque, Mirwaiz highlighted that this marks the seventh consecutive year of such restrictions during Eid.
"A day of celebration has been transformed into grief and denial for Muslims. It is a profound irony of our times that those who lock our mosques and Eidgahs are the first to extend Eid Mubarak wishes," Mirwaiz wrote in his post.
He further detailed that he was confined to his residence on Friday, with authorities "choking lanes and bylanes with concertina wire and disallowing movement." Since his release in September 2023 after four years of house arrest post the scrapping of Article 370, Mirwaiz has faced frequent restrictions, including police detentions at home preceding Friday prayers and Eid celebrations.
Contrasting Narratives: Eid Greetings Amidst Security Measures
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha was among the prominent public figures, alongside Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who extended Eid greetings to the people. "The sacred festival embodies the noble spirit of sacrifice and the joy of sharing. May Eid usher in peace, prosperity, and happiness for all," the Lieutenant Governor posted in his message.
In response to the situation, the Jammu and Kashmir Police did not provide specific comments on the curbs imposed. They only mentioned that prayers in Srinagar were conducted peacefully and urged citizens to celebrate the festival with a sense of responsibility and community harmony.
Festive Celebrations in Jammu Amidst Global Conflict Concerns
In Jammu, the Eid festival was observed with traditional fervor, gaiety, and special prayers for an end to the ongoing conflict in West Asia. People adorned in festive attire gathered at various sites across the city. The primary congregation was held at the Eidgah, where thousands of devotees offered Eid namaz.
Rattan Lal Gupta, the Jammu chief of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah's National Conference party, visited the site, underscoring the region's longstanding tradition of communal amity and unity. National Conference MLA Bashir Ahmad Veeri expressed sorrow over how global conflicts have contributed to rising prices and widespread hardships.
"We pray that wisdom prevails, the war in Iran concludes, and people find relief from suffering. We also offer prayers for peace and brotherhood within our own country," Veeri stated, reflecting the broader concerns of the community during the festive period.
