Srinagar, After four years, congregational prayer of Jumat-ul-Vida (last Friday of Ramazan) was allowed at Srinagar historic Jamia Masjid.
The authorities had last week disallowed the congregational Friday prayers which had triggered widespread criticism from politicians and the general public.
Witnesses said thousands of people from different parts of Kashmir attended the Friday congregational prayer at Jamia mosque- located in Nowhatta area in the old city.
Authorities had also stepped up security in the area. In the past the Jamia mosque has been central to protests and also witnessed violent demonstrations.
Officials said the Friday prayers passed off peacefully at the mosque.
Anjuman Auqaf, the managing body of Jamia Masjid, said thousands of men, women and young people performed Friday prayer at the mosque Srinagar by prostrating themselves before the Almighty Allah and repenting over their sins and seeking forgiveness from their Lord.
A spokesperson of the Anjuman said the people at the Jamia mosque were once again disappointed over the absence of Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir, Moulvi Muhammad Umar Farooq who is under house detention for the last nearly four years.
The spokesperson conveyed the Eid-ul-Fitr message of the detained Mirwaiz to the people in a huge public gathering and appealed to them to celebrate Eid with simplicity according to Islamic teachings.
“They were urged to remember the poor, needy, backward and disadvantaged people of society in the festivities,” the spokesman said.
With the peaceful conduct of Shab-e-Qadar on April 17 and Jumat-ul-Vida prayers, there is every likelihood that Eid prayers would be allowed at the grand mosque on Friday.
Anjuman Auqaf has announced the Eid prayers would be held at 9 am at the mosque .
The Anjuman urged the people to come before time and show Islamic unity and discipline on the occasion.
Meanwhile, the Anjuman has demanded release of Mirwaiz before Eid.