Srinagar – Authorities on Wednesday disallowed Eid prayers at the historic Eidgah and Srinagar’s Jama Masjid for the eighth consecutive year while also placing Kashmir’s head priest, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, under house arrest, drawing sharp criticism and fresh allegations of curbs on religious freedoms in the Valley.
The decision meant that thousands of worshippers were once again unable to offer congregational Eid prayers at two of Kashmir’s most significant religious sites, where large gatherings on important Islamic occasions have historically been a part of the Valley’s religious and social life. Congregational Eid prayers were, however, held peacefully at other major mosques and shrines across Kashmir.
Reacting to the ban on prayers at Eidgah and Jamia Mosque in Srinagar, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq said Muslims in Kashmir were once again facing restrictions on a day meant for celebration and prayer.
“For the eighth consecutive year, Muslims of Kashmir have been denied the right to offer Eid prayers at the historic Eidgah/Jama Masjid, and I have been placed under house arrest,” the Mirwaiz wrote in a post on X.
Expressing anguish over the repeated restrictions, he said Kashmiris were being greeted with curbs rather than festivities on one of Islam’s holiest occasions.
“On the revered and celebratory occasion of Eid, Muslims of Kashmir are greeted with barricades, restrictions, locked gates and intimidation,” he said.
Calling the situation deeply distressing, the Mirwaiz said the continued denial of prayers represented more than an administrative decision.
The Eidgah, a vast prayer ground in Srinagar, has historically hosted large Eid congregations attended by thousands of people from different parts of Kashmir. Likewise, the centuries-old Jama Masjid in old Srinagar has remained at the centre of religious and political life in the Valley.
Restrictions on congregational prayers at these sites have frequently sparked criticism from religious and political groups, who argue that the repeated closures have disrupted long-standing traditions and public religious practices.
The Mirwaiz also voiced concern over the impact of such restrictions on younger generations, saying many children in Kashmir are growing up without experiencing traditional Eid prayers.
“It is very unfortunate that children in Kashmir are growing up without witnessing the spiritually uplifting Eid prayers at the Eidgah,” he said.
“An entire generation is being deprived of knowing their traditions and making memories that have shaped our collective life for centuries,” he added.
Emphasising the enduring nature of faith and religious attachment, the Mirwaiz said restrictions could not weaken people’s spiritual bonds.
“Faith cannot be imprisoned or suppressed through force,” he said.
“But let those in power know that no power on earth can erase the deep spiritual bond people of Kashmir share with Eidgah, Jama Masjid and their religious institutions,” he asserted.
There was no immediate official statement from authorities regarding the reasons for disallowing Eid prayers at the two venues or placing the Mirwaiz under house arrest.
The latest restrictions come amid a pattern of limitations imposed on major religious gatherings in Kashmir in recent years, particularly at prominent religious and political sites in Srinagar.
While Eid prayers were held in local mosques and smaller neighbourhood prayer grounds across Kashmir Valley, the biggest gathering took place at Dargah Hazratbal. Tens of thousands offered Eid prayers at the shrine situated on the banks of Dal Lake.
However, the absence of congregational prayers at Eidgah and Jama Masjid remained a point of disappointment and concern for many residents on a day traditionally marked by collective worship and celebration.
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