Omar Abdullah slams mosque closure on Eid, questions ‘normalcy’ claim | India News
Srinagar/Jammu: Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Omar Abdullah Expressed deep concern over the interruption of Eid prayers on Saturday SrinagarIts historic Jamia Masjid, called it “deplorable” and questioned the LG Manoj Sinha-led administration’s claim of “normalcy” of the union territory.“Across J&K, Eid prayers were offered. But prayers were not allowed in Jamia Masjid. This exposes the administration controlling security and law and order. They keep saying the situation is completely normal. When prayers are not allowed in Srinagar’s biggest mosque, how normal is it,” Omar Hazratbal said at the shrine.He hoped that such decisions would be reviewed and people would be allowed to pray freely. Under the UT system in J&K since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, police and security fall under the jurisdiction of LG Sinha.Mirwaiz Umar FarooqKashmir’s chief cleric, who delivers sermons at the Jamia Masjid, said he was placed under house arrest and the temple locked. Mirwaiz shared the photo on X of the locked mosque, noting that this is the seventh year of the ban. “A day of celebration has turned into mourning and denial for Muslims. It is an irony of our time that those who lock our mosques and Eidgahs are the first to wish us Eid Mubarak,” wrote Mirwaiz.LG Sinha was among the key public figures, besides CM Omar, who greeted people on Eid. “The holy festival embodies the noble spirit of sacrifice and the joy of sharing. May Eid usher in peace, prosperity and happiness for all,” LG posted.Mirwaiz said he was placed under house arrest on Friday, with authorities “choking lanes and bylanes with concertina wire and not allowing movement”. Since his release in September 2023 after four years of house arrest following the abrogation of Article 370, Mirwaiz has faced frequent restrictions, with police arresting him at home before Friday prayers and Eid.This time, the Jammu and Kashmir police did not comment on the ban, only that prayers in Srinagar were held peacefully and urged people to celebrate responsibly.In Jammu, however, the festival was marked by fervor, traditional cheers and special prayers for an end to the conflict in West Asia.People in festive attire throng the various sites. The main congregation is held at the Eidgah, where thousands of people offer Eid prayers. CM Omar’s National Conference (NC) Jammu chief Ratan Lal Gupta visited the site stressing communal harmony in the region.NC MLA Bashir Ahmed Viri lamented that the global conflict has led to increased prices and suffering. “We pray that wisdom will prevail, that the (Iran) war will end, and that people will be relieved of suffering. We also pray for peace and brotherhood in our country,” Viri said.
