There is a face-off between the Jammu and Kashmir authorities and the Anjuman Auqaf Jamia Masjid, caretakers of the historic Jamia Masjid, on Sunday over timing of Eid prayers at the traditional Eidgah venue and the grand mosque in Srinagar, casting a shadow on being allowed permission for any congregational prayers at these places.
Official sources said the Jammu and Kashmir authorities, for a third straight year, might not allow Eid congregational prayers at the traditional Eidgah venue and the historic Jamia Masjid in Srinagar “following the inputs about likely anti-India protests and violent clashes on the occasion”.
The administration had proposed to the Auqaf to hold Eid prayers at the Jamia Masjid, Nowhatta, by or before 7 a.m. and had categorically denied permission for any congregational prayers at Eidgah, which has witnessed biggest gatherings in the past with many turning into anti-India protests.
