Srinagar — In yet another crackdown on religious freedom in Kashmir, authorities barred Eid-ul-Adha prayers at Srinagar’s Eidgah ground and the historic Jama Masjid. The mosque gates were locked, and police personnel were deployed outside, preventing worshippers from gathering for the congregational prayer, reported the Times of India.
The Anjuman Auqaf Jama Masjid, which manages the mosque, expressed deep regret over the authorities’ decision. In a statement, the management said even the Fajr (pre-dawn) prayer was not allowed.
Hurriyat Conference chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq took to social media to condemn the move, revealing that he was placed under house arrest yet again.
“Eid Mubarak! Yet again, Kashmir wakes up to the sad reality: no Eid prayers at Eidgah, and Jama Masjid locked down for the 7th straight year. I, too, have been detained at my home,” he posted on X.
He further added, “In a Muslim-majority region, Muslims are deprived of their fundamental right to pray — even on their most important religious occasion celebrated across the world! What a shame on those who rule over us, and on those elected by the people who choose to remain silent as our rights are trampled over, again and again.”
The repeated closure of mosques and restrictions on religious gatherings in the Valley continue to raise concerns over the erosion of civil liberties and religious rights in the region.
