In a move that has drawn sharp criticism from Kashmiri leaders and civil society, authorities in Srinagar once again prohibited Eid-ul-Adha prayers at the historic Jama Masjid and Eidgah ground in the old city. This marks the seventh consecutive year that the faithful have been denied the right to gather and offer Eid prayers at these central sites. Police were seen deployed in large numbers, and the gates of the Jama Masjid remained firmly shut early Saturday morning. According to the Anjuman Auqaf Jama Masjid—the mosque’s managing body—even the pre-dawn (Fajr) prayers were not permitted.
Hurriyat Conference chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, who is traditionally known to deliver the Eid sermon at Jama Masjid, claimed he was placed under house arrest yet again. Taking to social media platform X, he expressed deep frustration over the repeated denial of religious freedoms in a region that is predominantly Muslim. “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 wrote. The post has since gone viral, sparking discussions around religious rights and political suppression in the valley.
Condemning the decision, Mirwaiz questioned the silence of elected representatives and civil authorities, saying it was disgraceful for them to turn a blind eye to such blatant violations. “What a shame on those who rule over us,” he said, “and on those elected by the people who choose to remain silent as our rights are trampled over, again and again.” Local residents and political observers have also criticized the administration for what they view as an unnecessary and repressive measure, especially during a sacred festival meant to promote peace and unity. Calls for restoring the right to congregational prayer are now growing louder across the region.
