PEACEFUL EID WAS OBSERVED IN KASHMIR AFTER A COUPLE OF YEARS

Srinagar, Oct 27 (Only Kashmir): Celebrating the Eid-ul-Azha, Muslims all over the world in general and in Kashmir particular, stood witness to the occasion where thousands of devotees thronged mosques, shrines and Eidgahs (prayer grounds) to offer Eid prayers. Barring a stray incident of stone pelting in old city, Eidul Azha was today celebrated with traditional fervour and gaiety across Kashmir valley. In reports of Stone Pelting were received today as compare to past many years. 

The biggest congregation of Eid Prayer was held at Eidgah Srinagar where nearly 30,000 people offered the prayers, where Hurriyat (M) chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq was scheduled to address the occasion, following his house arrest his close aide and the senior member of Hurriyat (M) Hakeem Rashid strongly condemned the house arrest of Mirwaiz at his Nigeen residence, terming it as a direct interference into religious matters of the head priest. Mirwaiz was scheduled to lead Eid prayers at Eidgah, he added. 

According to Only Kashmir sources, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah offered Eid prayers at Dargah Hazratbal amongst thousands of Muslims.

Later, he interacted with people and shared Eid greetings and extended good wishes to them. The Chief Minister also prayed for peace, prosperity and progress of the state and the country.

Meanwhile Hurriyat (G) Chairman, Syed Ali Geelani, Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front Chief Muhammad Yasin Malik; Democratic Freedom Party Chairman, Shabir Ahmad Shah were put under house arrest by state authorities to prevent any public meeting.

Overall Eid was celebrated amid peace and religious fervor as compare to past many years. (OK)