On the occasion of Eid al-Adha, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah extended heartiest greetings to the Muslim community, emphasizing the festival’s significance as a time for peace and the strengthening of brotherhood. Speaking to reporters after offering prayers at the revered Dargah Hazratbal in Srinagar, Abdullah expressed hope that this Eid would herald better days for Muslims in India and around the world.

The Chief Minister, accompanied by National Conference President Dr. Farooq Abdullah and family members, voiced his disappointment over the ongoing restrictions that prevented congregational prayers at the historic Jama Masjid in Srinagar. “I am personally saddened that once again, permission was denied to offer prayers at Srinagar’s iconic Jama Masjid,” he said. “I do not know the reasons behind these decisions, but we must learn to trust our people.”

Abdullah while speaking about the importance of community trust, referencing the public’s peaceful protests following the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam. “These are the same people who came out to express their outrage peacefully,” he noted. “One day, the government will have to place trust in its citizens.”

Omar Abdullah urged the government to reconsider its stance on allowing congregational prayers in the historic mosque, underscoring the need for dialogue and trust with the people.

Meanwhile, National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah also offered Eid al-Adha prayers at Hazratbal Dargah, wishing everyone a joyous Eid Mubarak as he departed from the premises.