Conflict

Mirwaiz stopped from Eid prayers for 8th consecutive year, asks people to celebrate Eid with austerity

Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, the chief of Hurriyat Conference (M).

Srinagar: Mirwaiz Umar Farooq (in his mid-forties), the senior resistance leader, was once again barred from attending mandatory Eid-ul-Fitr prayers.

Mirwaiz, the Kashmir Valley’s chief cleric, was scheduled to attend the prayers in Eidgah Srinagar today as Muslims across Kashmir are celebrating Eid-ul-Fitr along with crores of Muslims in Asia.

Eid-ul-Fitr, a revered festival of Muslims, marks end of holy Ramzan – a 29/30 long month in Islamic calendar when Muslims observe fast from dawn to dusk.

Eidgah is an open space made available usually near to Masjids for larger congregations on occasions especially Eids in Muslims faith. The space is used for various other activities round the year.

Speaking to the FreePressKashmir, Mirwaiz congratulated the Muslim Ummah on the special occasion praying for its unity.

Imam-i-Hai, Syed Ahmad Syed Naqushbandhi led Eid prayers in Eidgah on June 26, 2017. (FPK Photo)

“It is the eight consecutive year (2017) that I have been barred from moving out on Eid,” Mirwaiz, who has been detained in his Nigeen residence, spoke to the FreePressKashmir soon after he concluded his telephonic address to Muslims who attended the Eid prayers in Eidgah.

On Fridays, Mirwaiz leads prayers in historic Jamia Masjid located in Nowhatta area of the summer capital.

“This Eid is for those who successfully completed the holy Ramzan,” he said.

Eid is an Arabic word meaning happiness. During Ramzan – one of the months in Islamic calendar – Muslims across globe keep fast from dawn to dusk. The days can vary from 29 to 30.

Eid-ul-Fitr marks end of Ramzan when Muslims witness moon the last night of fasting month.

“(Given the situation) people need to celebrate this Eid with austerity,” he said.

On Eid, Muslims prepare various kinds of feasts while new clothes and other accessories are bought a few days ahead. People throng each others’ places with wishes and gifts.

In absence of Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, Imam-i-Hai Syed Ahmad Syed Naqushbandhi led the prayers in Eidgah where a resolution was read to the faithful informing them about the latest developments in J&K.

Mirwaiz slammed the state government for imprisoning the resistance leadership.

Mirwaiz Umar Farooq addressing the faithful inside historic Aali Masjid in Srinagar on June 13, 2017.

Syed Ali Geelani has been detained in his house in 2010 and has been allowed to move out only when issues related to his health crop up. Muhammad Yasin Malik has been detained in Central Jail Srinagar.

This year, the Eid celebrations in this restive region are subdued because of the prevailing situation.

In the resolution issued by Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Muhammad Yasin Malik, people were asked to remain steadfast while the resistance leadership castigated government of India over civilian killings in Kashmir.

The resolution was read in almost all Masjids across Kashmir.

Slamming the governments in J&K and Delhi, the resistance leadership alleged that the raids carried out by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) were aimed at defaming “the freedom movement and crippling the economy of J&K”.

Soon after the prayers concluded in Eidgah, massive pro-freedom protests rocked the area. The youth holding Pakistan national flag hurled stones at the men in uniform who resorted with tear has shelling.

Earlier, protests and clashes erupted in Sopore and Palhallan towns in Baramulla district.

Reports of clashes also reached from Shopian, Anantnag and Kulgam.

Several civilians sustained injuries in forces action in Janglat Mandi and Ashajipora areas of Anantnag district while banners with photos of militants including slain commander Burhan Wani appeared in Shopian and Anantnag.

Click to comment
To Top