Srinagar: Anjuman Auqaf, the management body of the historic Jama Masjid in Srinagar, on Sunday criticized the Jammu and Kashmir Wakf Board for not making arrangements for Eid prayers at Eidgah for several years.
The mosque management expressed strong resentment over the Wakf Board's failure to respond to its letter and to make necessary preparations at the Eidgah for the upcoming Eid prayers, the religious body stated.
It is pertinent to mention that since the abrogation of Article 370 on August 5, 2019, the administration, which is directly controlled by New Delhi, has not allowed Eid prayers at Eidgah.
“Now, under the pretext of upgrading Eidgah, the Wakf Board is delaying the completion of repair works despite repeated requests and reminders,” it said.
The Anjuman has now decided to hold Eid prayers at Jama Masjid in Nowhatta. “As such, it has been decided that the Eid prayers will be held at Jama Masjid Srinagar at 9:00 AM. Mirwaiz Kashmir, Molvi Umar Farooq, will deliver the Eid sermon from 8:00 AM,” it said.
Eid prayers have also been barred at Jama Masjid, and prayers are usually held at the Wakf-run Hazratbal Shrine.