Eid ul Fitr in jammu

Eid-ul-Fitr marking the culmination of holy month of fasting Ramdhan was celebrated with religious fervour and gaiety in Jammu region also with thousands of Muslims thronging the different Eid-gahs and Jamia Masjids throughout the region early this morning to offer Eid prayers.

In Jammu the biggest congregation was seen at Eid-gah Residency road where over five thousand Muslims offered Eid Namaz. Minister for Finance, Abdul Rahim Rather, Minister for Higher Education, Abdul Gani Malik, MoS for Power Shabir

Ahmed Khan and MoS for Rural Development Ajaz Ahmed Khan were among the prominent people who offered Eid Namaz at Eidgah Residency road.

However people protested against the Auqaf administration for not making adequate arrangements for them at Eidgah this time. They raised slogans against the Auqaf administration and Minister Haj and Auqaf, for in protest and accused it of its total failure in arranging the tent over head to protect the devotees from scorching heat while offering Namaz. They also alleged that no proper arrangements for drinking water were made by the Auqaf Administration.

The order was restored only after repeated appeals were made by Imam to protestors.

The administration knew fully that the people assembling to offer prayers in open at Eidgah would face problems due to scorching heat and as huge funds are at the disposal of Auqaf, still they failed to make arrangements for the devotees, said Mohd Qadoos a devout Muslim who had come to offer prayers at Eidgah.

Later talking to reporters Mr Rather said that Government will look into the matter and seek an explanation from Auquaf authorities. Rather said that State is limping back to normalcy fast and it is a good omen for prosperity and development.

He said peace is prerequisite for development and prosperity and the separatists should also provide a chance to peace in the State which has suffered a lot of devastation in 22 years of turmoil.

While justifying the decision regarding grant of amnesty to stone pelters, Abdul Gani Malik said that coalition Government is committed to restoration of peace in the State and the amnesty is the Eid gift to the youth.

He said the decision was taken by the Government to build confidence among the misguided youth to involve them for restoration of peace and tranquility in the State.

A large number of members of Muslim community offered Eid Namaz at Jamia Masjid Talab Khatikan, Eidgah Narwal, Jamia Masjid Kachhi Chawni, Sidhrah, Bhatindi and other mosques of city.

Besides the offering of special Eid prayers, exchange of sweets and hugs were the other highlights of the celebrations of Eid-ul-Fitr in the Winter Capital.

Muslims attired in white dresses hugged each other and exchanged Eid greetings. The members of Hindu and Sikh communities also greeted their Muslim brethren on the occasion. Leaders of various political and social organizations had also reached Eidgah to greet the Muslims on the occasion of Eid.

People flooded markets and purchased assorted items, including delicacies and colourful garments.

Roadside 'bazaars' sprang up to woo shoppers with mutton, poultry, bakery products, sweets, ready-made garments and toys.

Attired in colourful dresses, children asked for 'Eidi' from the relatives while people exchanged sweets and gifts among friends and loved ones.

"I prayed for peace and brotherhood in the State and across the world as well so that people live in tranquility", Baffar Shah-a businessman said after offering prayers at Eidgah.

"We have come here to greet our Muslim brothers on the festival. We also pray to almighty for the early restoration of peace and prosperity in this trouble-torn State of Jammu and Kashmir,'' said Khem Chand, standing outside the Eidgah to greet his friends on the occasion.

MLA Poonch, Aijaz Jan wished everyone and offered special prayers at the Eidgah.

Tight security arrangements were also made across the winter capital and in outskirts for smooth and peaceful celebrations of the festival.

Reports of the Eid celebrations have also come from Rajouri, Poonch, Doda, Kishtwar, Udhampur and Ramban districts where thousands of Muslims thronged the Eidgahs and Jamia Masjids to offer special Eid prayers.

Thousands of Muslims thronged the Eidgah at Rajouri to offer the special Eid prayers. The DC Rajouri G A Khawaja was among the prominent people who offered the Eid Namaz in Eidgah.

On the occasion DIG Rajouri-Poonch range Rajesh Kumar and SSP Rajouri Vijay Samyal greeted the members of Muslim community.

Thousands of Muslims also thronged the Eidgah Poonch to offer prayers. Special Eid prayers were also held in Eidgahs at Thanamandi, Darhal, Manjakote, Budhal, Koteranka, Nowshera, Mendhar, Billawar and Bani.

The Minister of Cooperatives, Dr Manohar Lal also offered Eid greetings to members of Muslim community at Billawar.