Srinagar, Mar 21 (JKNS): Eid-ul-Fitr was celebrated across Jammu and Kashmir with religious fervour, enthusiasm and a spirit of communal harmony on Saturday, as thousands of devotees offered special prayers at mosques and Eidgahs, marking the culmination of the holy month of Ramadan.
According to details available with news agency JKNS, Eid prayers were conducted peacefully across the Kashmir Valley as well as the Jammu region, with no reports of any untoward incident. Authorities had put in place elaborate security arrangements to ensure the smooth conduct of prayers at all major congregational venues.
In Srinagar, the largest gathering was witnessed at the revered Hazratbal Shrine, where thousands of devotees, including several prominent political leaders, participated in the congregational prayers. The shrine saw a continuous influx of worshippers since early morning, with many braving chilly weather conditions to join the prayers.
Due to prevailing inclement weather, most Eid congregations across the Valley were held inside local mosques instead of open grounds. However, authorities had also made arrangements at designated Eidgahs in several districts to facilitate the devotees.
Reports from various districts indicated large participation, with around 15,000 devotees assembling at Eid Gah Aliya Zaingair in Hardushiva-Pazalpora, marking one of the biggest congregations in the area, held in a peaceful and orderly manner.
Inspector General of Police Kashmir, Vidhi Kumar Birdi, said that comprehensive security and traffic arrangements were implemented across the Kashmir Zone to ensure smooth and peaceful Eid celebrations.
Speaking to media, the IGP said that adequate deployment of police personnel was ensured in all districts where Eid prayers were scheduled, with the aim of allowing people to offer prayers peacefully and return home without inconvenience.
He further stated that special emphasis was laid on traffic management, considering the heavy movement of people towards Eidgahs and major mosques, which often leads to congestion.
He added that all police stations were directed to coordinate closely with the Traffic Police to maintain smooth vehicular movement and public convenience.
The IGP also appealed to the public to cooperate with the police and follow advisories so that Eid celebrations pass off peacefully across the region.
Meanwhile, PDP President Mehbooba Mufti extended Eid greetings and urged people to offer special prayers for the Muslim Ummah, particularly those facing hardships in Palestine, Lebanon and Iran.
She expressed regret that during a gathering she attended, prayers were not offered for Palestine, Lebanon or Iran, and stressed that Eid prayers should include supplications for the people of Jammu and Kashmir as well as the entire Muslim Ummah, especially those affected by conflict and suffering.
Mehbooba appealed to people to extend help and support to the needy, saying Eid is a time to demonstrate unity, compassion and solidarity with those in distress across the world.
In her message, she said that while the festival marks the end of Ramadan, people should also remember those facing hardships globally and pray for peace and relief for them.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed concern over the denial of permission for Eid prayers at the historic Jamia Masjid Srinagar, stating that such decisions need reconsideration and raise questions about claims of normalcy.
He said he was saddened that worshippers were not allowed to offer prayers at the centuries-old mosque located in the city centre.
“Peacefully, Eid prayers have been offered in the whole of Jammu and Kashmir. Unfortunately, once again, Eid prayers have not been allowed in the historical Jamia Masjid of Srinagar. I feel very saddened by this,” he said.
He added that there appears to be a disconnect between the ground situation and the assessment of law enforcement agencies.
“The security and law enforcement officials who are in charge of security and law and order repeatedly say that the situation is normal. But what kind of normalcy is this? Eid prayers are not allowed in the largest mosque in Srinagar,” he said.
The Chief Minister expressed hope that such decisions would be revisited.
“I hope that such decisions will be changed and people will be allowed to offer their prayers freely,” he said.
He also spoke about the rising prices of LPG and petroleum products, saying it was placing a burden on households across the country.
“We are seeing the effects of LPG and oil all over the country. Tomorrow, prices will rise. How much negative impact will it have on our country? It will definitely have an impact,” he said.
He further added that the issue has both emotional and economic implications.
“First of all, it will have an impact on sentiments. It will have a sentimental impact on the entire Muslim community. Along with that, it will have an impact on the whole country. Our sentiments are hurt. But for those who find it difficult to run their homes because of LPG and diesel, it will have an impact on them as well,” he said.
The Chief Minister also called for peace, stating, “That is why I said that we should have only one prayer from us today that this unjust war should end as soon as possible, and that peace should emerge again.”
Authorities, meanwhile, reiterated their appeal to the public to follow guidelines and cooperate with officials to ensure peaceful and orderly celebrations across the Union Territory. (JKNS)
