Srinagar: Clashes erupted between protesters and government forces in Sopore and Anantnag even as Eid-ul-Azha was celebrated across Kashmir Valley on Saturday.
Unlike last year, the authorities allowed Eid-ul-Azha prayers in all parts of the Valley and the biggest congregation was held at Eidgah here. Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, the chairman of Hurriyat Conference (M), was not allowed to offer the prayers as he was placed house under arrest as has been the case since last seven years.
At least six persons were injured as violent clashes broke out between youth and government forces in Anantnag town of south Kashmir.
As soon as the Eid prayers concluded at Ahlihadees Eidgah Achahipora and Hanfia Eidgah Janglat Mandi, youth assembled and staged demonstrations against the government.
Chanting pro-Islam and pro-freedom slogans, the protesters clashed with police and paramilitary forces, deployed in strength. The government forces resorted to teargas shelling and fired pellets, injuring at least half a dozen people. Reports said One of injured was hit with pellets in his eye and has been shifted to SMHS hospital here for specialised treatment.
Report said that as soon as the Eid prayers concluded at Markazi Jamia Masjid Sopore, youth took to streets and staged demonstrations at main bazaar area of the town. Chanting pro-Islam, pro-freedom and anti-India slogans, they tried to march towards the main Chowk but were stopped by paramilitary forces, deployed in strength, in the apple town. Later, clashes erupted as youth pelted stones on CRPF while the paramilitary men responded by lobbing teargas shells.
Meanwhile, Mirwaiz took to twitter to announce that he has been placed under house arrest to prevent him from leading Eid congregation at Eidgah.
“It’s been 7 years since I was last allowed to offer Eid prayers,” Mirwaiz wrote. He later addressed the people at Eidgah over phone.
On the occasion, a resolution was also adopted with people vowing to continue “struggle for right to self determination till its logical conclusion.”
The resolution, read by Mirwaiz, also condemn what it termed as harassment and ill treatment to pro-freedom leaders, traders and youth by NIA.
The resolution also condemned the government of India and state government’s “attempts” to abrogate Article 35A and 370 “in a bid to change the Muslim majority status of the state.”
The resolution also condemned the “atrocities” committed by government forces against people across the Kashmir Valley, particularly those living in villages.
The authorities have also placed other separatist leaders including chairman of Hurriyat Conference (G) Syed Ali Geelani under house arrest.
JKLF chairman Mohammad Yasin Malik was arrested into preventive custody and lodged at Central Jail, Srinagar.
Meanwhile, subdued festivities Eid continued across the Kashmir Valley with people thronging mosques, shrines and Eidgahs for special prayers.
Muslims from all walks of life started making a beeline to Eidgahs (prayer ground) or mosques for offering Eid prayers despite cloud cover and little rain.
While the biggest gathering was witnessed at Eidgah, the second largest gathering was held at the Hazratbal.
Big gatherings were also reported from Sonawar and Soura shrines in the heart of the city as well as from all districts headquarters and major towns of the Valley.
• (Pictures of clashes in Sopore after Eid prayers by Peerzada Waseem)
• (Picture of Mirwaiz Umar Farooq in Jamia Masjid by Zargar Zahoor)
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