SRINAGAR: Kashmiris staged strong protest after Indian authorities disallowed congregational Eid prayers at the historic Jamia Masjid in Srinagar. The mosque, a historic religious site, was unexpectedly locked on Wednesday morning, leaving worshippers unable to participate in the traditional Eid prayers. Additionally, Hurriyat leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq was once again placed under house arrest.
Indian police officers locked the gates of the mosque without providing any written explanation for their actions. The decision to bar access to the Jamia Masjid was met with strong opposition from the local populace, who termed it as a violation of their religious rights.
Indian police resorted to baton charging the Kashmiri protesters, resulting in injuries to several persons. Eyewitnesses reported that the peaceful protesters, who were reciting religious chants, were met with excessive force by the Indian authorities.
The incident highlights the ongoing tensions in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), where Kashmiris have long faced oppression and human rights violations. Despite calls for peace and dialogue, the Indian authorities’ continued crackdown on dissent has only exacerbated the situation, further alienating the local population.
