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On Sunday, Indian authorities prevented thousands of Muslim worshipers from accessing Dargah Hazratbal shrine in Srinagar, Kashmir, a site where huge crowds gather annually to mark Eid-e-Milad, the birthday of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH).
The restrictions were established on Saturday evening, hindering people from gathering at the site on the outskirts.
The shrine is believed to be housing one of the prophet’s descendants and attracts thousands of followers of Islam every year.
The festivity used to be organized by State authorities, until 5 August when India Kashmir’s semi-autonomous status was revoked by the government in New Delhi.
An official from the Police Control Room (PCR) confirmed restrictions were in place in and around Dargah, as well as in other areas of Srinagar.
The official, who spoke to Efe on the condition of anonymity, said the measures had been established “to maintain law and order and safeguard the lives of the people.”
He said locals from Dargah and the surrounding area were allowed to enter the shrine for prayers.
Residents told Efe that government forces had erected barricades out of barbed wire on the main roads and routes leading to the shrine.
Locals said about 100 people who live near the shrine had managed to enter and offer prayers.
On November 1 people were prevented from gathering at another important Islamic site, the Naqshband Sahib shrine.
“Administration is virtually making interference in the religious matters of Muslims,” a statement issued by the Jamia Masjid Awqaf, the administration of Srinagar’s Grand Mosque, said.
The statement added: “Every kind of prayers are banned in the Jamia Masjid ever since August 5, and forces have practically locked the religious place.
“Khwaja Digar was also recently disallowed and now people have been barred from gathering at Dargah shrine. These acts clearly indicate that religious freedom has been snatched from the people of Kashmir.”
Kashmir was without internet services after they were cut off over fears that anti-India protests could spring up.
source: Manila Bulletin
