Srinagar: J&K Govt has disallowed Eid prayers at the historic Eidgah Srinagar, Anjuman Auqaf Jama Masjid said on Wednesday. The authorities have decided to allow prayers at the Hazratbal shrine, which is run by the J&K Waqf Board.
In a statement, Anjuman said it had announced that Eid prayers will be held at Eidgah at 9 am in Srinagar and if wet weather persists, the historic mosque, Jamia Masjid (Nowhatta) will serve as a substitute. However, the authorities have disallowed the same.
“Barring prayers at Eidgah is extremely unfortunate and condemnable. The decision has hurt the sentiments of Muslims of the Valley,” it said.
Anjuman Auqaf also denounced the continued detention of Mirwaiz Umar Farooq who traditionally delivers the sermon at Eidgah before Eid prayers.
The Eidgah and historic Jamia masjid has reported major anti-India demonstrations in the past, with worshippers clashing with forces after prayers.
Since the Govt of India scrapped the autonomous status of Jammu and Kashmir (Article 370 of the Indian Constitution) and bifurcated the state into two “Union Territories” on 5 August, 2019; No Eid prayers have been allowed at both of the places.
Authorities maintain its a “precautionary measure”.