Eid prayers have been banned at Srinagar’s Jama Masjid for the eighth consecutive year

A file image of the Aali Masjid in the Eidgah area of ​​Srinagar. | Photo credit: The Hindu

Authorities on Wednesday (May 27, 2026) refused to allow Eid prayers at the Eidgah and the historic Jama Masjid mosque in Srinagar’s old city for the eighth consecutive year, apart from placing Mirwaiz Umar Farooq under house arrest.

For the 8th consecutive year, Kashmiri Muslims were denied the right to offer Eid prayers at the historic Eidgah/Jama Masjid and I was placed under house arrest. On the revered and celebrated occasion of Eid, Kashmiri Muslims are welcomed with barricades,… pic.twitter.com/m2NgXGlLyS

— Mirwaiz Umar Farooq (@MirwaizKashmir) May 27, 2026

“For the eighth consecutive year, Kashmiri Muslims have been denied the right to offer Eid prayers at the historic Eidgah/Jama Masjid and I have been placed under house arrest,” Mirwaiz said on X.

He said Kashmiri Muslims are welcomed by barricades and restrictions on Id.

“On the revered and celebratory occasion of Id, Kashmiri Muslims are greeted with barricades, restrictions, locked gates and intimidation,” he said.

“This is not governance; it is a systematic attack on our religious identity, dignity and fundamental rights that hurts us deeply,” he added.

Mirwaiz said it is very unfortunate that children in Kashmir are growing up without witnessing the spiritually uplifting Id prayers at the Eidgah.

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

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

“But let those in power know that no power on earth can erase the deep spiritual bond that the people of Kashmir share with Eidgah, Jama Masjid and their religious institutions,” he said.

Published – 27 May 2026 12:04 IST