*Eid-ul-Fitr Celebrated Across J&K; Hazratbal Dargah Witnesses Largest Gathering of Devotees*

*IGP Kashmir, SSP Srinagar review arrangements on ground; Mehbooba Mufti calls for prayers for Ummah, Omar Abdullah raises concern over Jamia Masjid restrictions*

Srinagar, Mar 21 (KNC): Eid-ul-Fitr was celebrated with religious fervour, enthusiasm and communal harmony across Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday, with thousands of devotees offering special prayers at mosques and Eidgahs to mark the culmination of the holy month of Ramadan.

According to details available with news agency Kashmir News Corner (KNC), Eid prayers were offered peacefully throughout the Kashmir Valley and the Jammu region, with no reports of any untoward incident from anywhere. Elaborate security arrangements were put in place by the authorities to ensure the smooth conduct of prayers at all major congregations.

In the summer capital Srinagar, the largest gathering was witnessed at the revered Hazratbal Shrine, where a large number of devotees, including several senior political leaders, offered prayers. The shrine witnessed a steady stream of faithful since early morning, with many braving the chilly weather to participate in the congregational prayers.

Due to inclement weather conditions prevailing across the Valley, most Eid congregations were held in local mosques rather than open grounds, sources said. However, arrangements were also made at designated Eidgahs in some districts to accommodate the faithful.

Inspector General of Police Kashmir, V. K. Birdi, on Saturday said that elaborate security and traffic arrangements had been put in place across the Kashmir Zone to ensure smooth and peaceful Eid celebrations.

Talking to media, the IGP said that Jammu and Kashmir Police have deployed adequate security personnel in all districts where Eid congregational prayers were scheduled, adding that the aim was to ensure that people could offer Eid prayers peacefully and return to their homes without any inconvenience.

He further said that special focus had been laid on traffic management as a large number of people travel to Eidgahs and major mosques, leading to congestion in many areas.

He added that all police stations had been directed to work in close coordination with Traffic Police to ensure smooth vehicular movement and public convenience.

The IGP appealed to the public to cooperate with police and traffic authorities and follow advisories so that Eid celebrations pass peacefully across Kashmir.

Meanwhile, Mehbooba Mufti extended Eid greetings to the people and called for special prayers for the Muslim Ummah, particularly those facing hardships in Palestine, Lebanon and Iran.

She expressed regret that during a gathering she attended, prayers were not offered for Palestine, Lebanon or Iran, and said that Eid prayers should include prayers for the people of Jammu and Kashmir and the entire Muslim Ummah, especially those suffering due to conflict and hardship.

Mehbooba appealed to people to extend help and support to those in need, saying that this is a time to show unity, compassion and solidarity with the suffering Muslim Ummah across the world.

In her message on the occasion of Eid, she said that while people celebrate the festival after the holy month of Ramadan, they should also remember those across the Muslim world who are going through difficult times and pray for relief and peace for them.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday expressed anguish over the denial of permission for Eid prayers at the historic Jamia Masjid, saying such decisions need to be reconsidered and asserting that restrictions at the city’s largest mosque raise questions about the normalcy claimed by security agencies.

The Chief Minister said he was saddened that worshippers were not allowed to offer prayers at the centuries-old mosque in the city centre.

“Peacefully, Eid prayers have been offered in the whole of Jammu and Kashmir. Unfortunately, once again, Eid prayers have not been allowed in the historical Jamia Masjid of Srinagar. I feel very saddened by this,” he said.

He said there was a disconnect between the ground situation and the assessment of law enforcement agencies.

“The security and law enforcement officials who are in charge of security and law and order repeatedly say that the situation is normal. But what kind of normalcy is this? Eid prayers are not allowed in the largest mosque in Srinagar,” he said.

The Chief Minister expressed hope that the authorities would revisit such decisions. “I hope that such decisions will be changed and people will be allowed to offer their prayers freely,” he said.

He also referred to the impact of rising prices of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and other petroleum products, saying the economic burden was affecting households across the country. “We are seeing the effects of LPG and oil all over the country. Tomorrow, prices will rise. How much negative impact will it have on our country? It will definitely have an impact,” he said.

He added that the issue had both an economic and a sentimental dimension.

“First of all, it will have an impact on sentiments. It will have a sentimental impact on the entire Muslim community. Along with that, it will have an impact on the whole country. Our sentiments are hurt. But for those who find it difficult to run their homes because of LPG and diesel, it will have an impact on them as well,” he said.

The Chief Minister further called for an end to conflict. “That is why I said that we should have only one prayer from us today that this unjust war should end as soon as possible, and that peace should emerge again,” he added.

Authorities also appealed to the public to follow advisories and cooperate with officials to ensure peaceful celebrations across the Union Territory. (KNC)