NEW DELHI :The management committee of the Jamia Masjid on Wednesday said they were informed by the authorities that Eid prayers would not be allowed at Srinagar’s historic Eidgah.
Traditionally, the congregational Eid prayers are offered at Eidgah.
“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 on Thursday (June 29),” reads a statement issued by the Auqaf on Wednesday. “The district administration conveyed this decision to Anjuman Auqaf officials today (Wednesday) morning,” the statement added.
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.
Traditionally Muslims offer Eid prayers at Eidgah, but the government over the last many years has barred people from offering prayers there.
The government fears that it would be risky to allow a large number of people to congregate at one place as it could turn into an anti-India procession as in the past.
The Auqaf has termed the government decision to ban the Eid prayers at Eidgah as “unfortunate and condemnable”.
“Barring prayers at Eidgah, which is the central place designated for special community prayers, 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,” Auqaf said. Indian Express
