CM Omar Abdullah condemns denial of permission for Eid prayers at Jamia Masjid Srinagar

STC NEWS DESK
SRINAGAR, MARCH 21 (STC):
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today said that denial of permission for Eid prayers at the historic Jamia Masjid raises questions about the normalcy claimed by security agencies.
He expressed his “saddeness” that worshippers were not allowed to offer prayers at the centuries-old mosque in the city centre.
“Peacefully, Eid prayers have been offered in the whole of Jammu and Kashmir. Unfortunately, once again, Eid prayers have not been allowed in the historical Jamia Masjid of Srinagar. I feel very saddened by this,” CM Omar Abdullah told reporters.
Claiming a disconnect between the ground situation and the assessment of law enforcement agencies, the Chief Minister said, “The security and law enforcement officials who are in charge of security and law and order repeatedly say that the situation is normal. But what kind of normalcy is this? Eid prayers are not allowed in the largest mosque in Srinagar.”
However, he expressed hope that the authorities would revisit such decisions and people will be allowed to offer their prayers freely.
Meanwhile, referring to the impact of rising prices of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and other petroleum products, CM Omar said, “We are seeing the effects of LPG and oil all over the country. Tomorrow, prices will rise. How much negative impact will it have on our country? It will definitely have an impact.”
(Straight Talk Communications)