In a troubling development, senior religious and political leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq has been placed under house arrest by authorities in Jammu and Kashmir, coinciding with the Eid celebrations. This move has also led to the prohibition of congregational Eid prayers at key religious sites, including Jama Masjid and Eidgah in Srinagar. Expressing his dismay, Farooq took to social media to condemn this decision, emphasizing that the denial of such fundamental religious rights to Muslims in Kashmir is both painful and unacceptable. He pointed out that even during the height of militancy in the 1990s, Eid prayers were conducted at these venues, raising questions about the authenticity of the claims regarding returning normalcy in the region.

Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, the current head of the Awami Action Committee (ACC), articulated that the closure of these sacred spaces reflects an oppressive approach by the authorities aimed at suppressing the collective identity of Kashmiri Muslims. He questioned the motives behind this decision, asking whether it indicates a threat perceived by the ruling powers towards the cultural and religious practices of the local community. The ongoing restrictions lead him to ponder the implications of such measures on the social and religious fabric of the region, particularly during significant observances like Eid.

In a broader context, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) recently imposed a five-year ban on the Awami Action Committee, citing its alleged role in promoting anti-national activities, including incitement to violence among the youth. In tandem, the MHA also banned Ittehadul Muslimeen, a Shia Muslim organization previously linked to the separatist All Parties Hurriyat Conference. These developments underscore the heightened tensions in Jammu and Kashmir, casting a shadow over the state’s ongoing struggle for religious rights and freedoms, especially during significant cultural and religious events.