Id prayers disallowed at Srinagar’s Jama Masjid for eighth year in a row

Authorities on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, besides placing Mirwaiz Umar Farooq under house arrest, refused to allow Eid prayers for the eighth consecutive time at the historic Jama Masjid in Srinagar’s old city.

“For eight consecutive years, Kashmiri Muslims have been denied the right to offer Eid prayers at the historic Eid/Jama Masjid and I have been put under house arrest,” Mirwaiz told X.

He said Kashmiri Muslims were met with barricades and ID restrictions.

“On the venerable and celebratory Id day, Kashmiri Muslims are greeted with barricades, restrictions, locked doors and intimidation,” he said.

“This is not an administration, but a systematic attack on our religious identity, dignity and fundamental rights, and it hurts us deeply.”

Mirwaiz said that it is very unfortunate that children in Kashmir grow up without witnessing spiritually uplifting Eid prayers during Eid.

“An entire generation is being deprived of knowing the traditions and accumulating memories that have shaped our collective life for centuries,” he said.

He added that “belief cannot be imprisoned or suppressed by force.”

“But those in power should know that no power in the world can erase the deep spiritual bond that the people of Kashmir share with Eid al-Fitr, the Masjid Mosque and their religious institutions,” he said.