SRINAGAR: On the eve of Eid-ul-Adha, the usual hustle and bustle in the markets is missing, on Wednesday with traders complaining about the depressed sales.

Srinagar markets, including Lal Chowk, the commercial hub, which usually remained abuzz on such occasions, saw fewer business activities.

Some of the shopkeepers alleged that the route change of transport vehicles was one of the reasons for less business activity in the city centre of Lal Chowk.

Even some allege that due to the ongoing Srinagar Smart City Project in the capital city, shoppers are facing difficulties parking their vehicles at certain places.

Shoppers in smaller numbers were seen thronging shopping centres to shop for their favourite products, including bakery products, mutton, chicken, garments, and other items for the festival.

Locals were seen buying sacrificial animals at several roadside junctions. Mutton dealers claimed that the demand for sacrificial animals this Eid was low compared to the previous year, citing economic distress among the people.

"This time, the demand for sacrificial animals is very low. The sacrificial animal is being sold at Rs 380 per kg at many places, quite a bit less than last year," said a mutton dealer.

The three-day Eid festivity begins with congregational prayers in the morning. After Eid prayers, people sacrifice cattle to mark Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son before Allah. Later, sacrificial meat is distributed among the kith and kin, besides the needy.

Kids were seen in queues waiting to decorate their hands with "Hina" at Gonikan market in Srinagar. Besides, many children were seen purchasing artificial bangles, toys, and gift items from the roadside stall for the occasion. (UNI)

SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha chaired a meeting to review the preparations of District Administrations and various departments ahead of Eid-ul-Adha festival.

The meeting was attended by Sh Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar, Advisor to Lt Governor; Dr Arun Kumar Mehta, Chief Secretary; Dr Mandeep Kumar Bhandari, Principal Secretary to Lt Governor; Deputy Commissioners, Senior Superintendents of Police and senior officers.

The Lt Governor took appraisal of augmentation of the supply of essential items and services, security and traffic management in view of Eid-ul-Adha.

He impressed upon the Deputy Commissioners, SSPs and officers of stakeholder departments to make all necessary arrangements for the festival.

The Lt Governor also directed the DCs to constitute Joint Teams for market inspection, monitoring and implementation of notified rates of essential items.

Sanitation and cleanliness in and around religious places, availability of Doctors, medical facilities, fire and emergency services should be ensured, the Lt Governor said.(GNS)

SRINAGAR: The Divisional Commissioner (Div Com) Kashmir, Vijay Kumar Bidhuri today chaired a meeting to review the arrangements for the celebration of Eid ul Azha and observation of Muharram ul Haraam in the province.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Commissioners and officers of Sheep Husbandry, FCS&CA, SMC, Legal Metrology, HoDs of line departments besides representatives of mutton dealers and various associations of Shia community.

While reviewing the arrangements for Eid ul Azha, Div Com passed a slew of directions to DCs and officers for ensuring all necessary facilities to the public including availability of sacrificial animals at designated locations and availability of essentials in the market.

He further directed DCs to constitute market checking teams to keep prices under control and prevent overcharging by traders.

Besides, he also directed  for smooth supply of electricity on the eve of Eid-ul-Azha across Kashmir Division especially at Aasar-i-Sharief Hazratbal, Kalashpora, Jenab Sahab Soura, Ziyarat Sharief Kabamarg, Anantnag, Ziyarat Sharief Khiram, Anantnag, Ziyarat Sharief Makhama and Ziyarat Aham-i-Sharief, Bandipora.

The Div Com directed for capturing of stray dogs by SMC across all major Shrines/ Masjids so that no un-toward incident of dog bite takes place.

Besides, he instructed for making availability of an adequate number of buses during Eid-ul-Azha and identification of specified  parking areas.

He impressed on placement of Sanitary Workers for cleanliness and sanitation in and around the periphery of Assar-i-Sharief, Hazratbal, Eid-Gah, Srinagar and other major locations in districts.

Regarding the observation of Muharram ul Haraam, Div Com directed for necessary repairs and development of routes through which muharram processions are taken by the mourners.

He instructed for deployment of teams of doctors and para-medics along with ambulances across all prominent locations.

Further, he instructed concerned for ensuring availability of firewood, and regular supply of electricity and water to Shia dominant areas during the month of Muharram.

Besides, he exhorted for proper traffic management and security for both the religious occasions.(GNS)

SRINAGAR: Eid-ul-Adha will be celebrated on June 29 in Jammu and Kashmir as the crescent of Dhul Hijjah, according to Jammu and Kashmir’s Grand cleric Mufti Nasir-ul-Islam, was sighted on Monday evening in Chenab Valley’s Ramban district. 

Talking to GNS, the Grand Mufti said that the crescent of holy Dhul Hijjah was sighted in Batote area of Ramban district and as such Eid-ul-Adha will be celebrated on June 29, 2023. 

Dhul Hijjah, the twelfth and last month of Islamic Calendar, largely holds relevance due to annual Hajj pilgrimage and (animal) sacrifices on eve of Bakr-e-Eid.  

Mufti Nasir-ul-Islam said that all those intending to do sacrifices, making Qurbani of animals, are supposed not to trim their hair or nails until the sacrifices’ are actually made on any given day during Bakra-e-Eid, as per well-established Ahadith (sayings of Prophet Muhammad SAW).

*BRIEF HISTORY OF EID-UL-ADHA*

The history of the Eid-ul-Adha started when Prophet Ibrahim (AS) kept having a recurring dream of slaughtering his beloved son, Prophet Ismail (AS) attributed to fulfill the wishes of Almighty Allah.

Prophet Ibrahim (AS), as known from plethora of evidence from Islamic literature including Quran and Ahadith, is said to have spoken to his son Prophet Ismail (AS) regarding the dream, explaining to him how Allah wanted him to make his sacrifice. Prophet Ismail (AS) who was just as much a man of Allah as his father, reciprocated well and agreed and asked his father to comply according to the wishes of Allah. It is said the Shaitan (the devil) tempted Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and tried to dissuade the father (Prophet Ibrahim AS) from making the sacrifice of his son, but the latter shunned it away vehemently. 

Allah saw Prophet Ibrahim’s absolute devotion and sent Jibreel (Angel Gabriel), the Archangel, bearing a sheep for slaughter. Prophet Jibreel (AS) told Prophet Ibrahim (AS) that Allah was pleased with his devotion to him and sent the sheep to be slaughtered in place of his son. Ever since the cattle sacrifice is a major part of Eid-ul-Adha celebrations which not only commemorates Prophet Ibrahim and Prophet Ismael’s love for Allah but also shows that one is willing to make the ultimate sacrifice of what they love dearly, just for the sake of Allah. (GNS)

SRINAGAR: For the first time in the recent past, there is no hustle and bustle at the Eidgah ground here where a huge rush of people was usually being witnessed ahead of the Eid-ul-Adha, to buy the sacrificial animals.

Unlike the past, one of the prominent places to purchase animals on Eid—Eidgah is giving a deserted look.

According to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), nearly ten days ahead of the Eid-ul-Adha, the Bakerwals and the mutton dealers have not made their presence so far at Eidgah ground to sell the sacrificial animals.

Ashiq Ahmad, one of the locals, said that the sacrificial animals are not being sold the way it was. “The major markets for the sacrificial animals are no longer abuzz with trade. I am planning to buy sacrificial animals for Eid, but the markets in this regard have not been set up so far,” he said.

General Secretary of Mutton Dealers Association, Mehraj ud Din, when contacted that the adequate livestock is available at present, but the fact is that the mandis and markets in this regard are being set up in the last 6-7 days here.

“Almost 80 per cent of the people prefer to buy sacrificial animals in the last week and thus the markets in this regard are being set up in the last week,” he said.

He further added that the markets and Mandis in this regard are being chosen by the government itself while the place has not been selected so far. “We are expecting that the place in this regard would be selected in the coming days following which the markets will once again witness the rush of shoppers,” General Secretary of Mutton Dealers Association, said. (KNO)

SRINAGAR: Authorities have decided not to allow Eid-ul-Fitr prayers at historic Jamia Masjid in Srinagar on Saturday, sources said. 

They told GNS that the administration had suggested particular timing for Eid prayers at Jamia which was not agreed to by the management of the grand mosque. “As such Eid prayers will now be disallowed at Jamia tomorrow,” they said. 

Anjuman Auqaf Jamia Masjid, the managing body of the historic mosque, had announced that Eid-ul-Fitr prayer will be held at 9:00 a.m. (GNS)

SRINAGAR: On the occasion of Last Friday of the holy month of Ramadan, thousands of men, women and young people performed Friday prayer at the historical Jama Masjid Srinagar by prostrating themselves before the Almighty Allah, doing Tauba-Wa-Istighfaar - repenting over their sins and seeking forgiveness from their Lord.

However, the people were once again disappointed over the absence of their beloved leader Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Dr Moulvi Muhammad Umar Farooq who is under house detention for the last nearly four years due to which the Mimbar and Mihraab of the grand mosque continue to remain silent.

On the occasion, a spokesperson of the Anjuman conveyed the Eid-ul-Fitr message of the detained Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir 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 Anjuman expressed strong resentment against the continuous illegal and arbitrary detention of Mirwaiz –e-Kashmir and said the authorities should change their dictatorial attitude and release him before  Eid

On the occasion, the people raised their voices for the immediate and unconditional release of Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir.

Meanwhile, the Anjuman said that the Eid prayers  are going to be offered after three years at Jama Masjid Srinagar inshallah and according to the programme, the Eid prayer will be offered at 09:00 am, In Sha Allah.

The people were urged  to come before time and show Islamic unity and discipline on the occasion. (CNS) 

SRINAGAR: The crescent for the month of Shawwal 1444 A.H has not been sighted anywhere in Jammu and Kashmir, Grand Mufti Nasir-ul-Islam said here on Thursday evening.

Talking to GNS, Islam said there was no testimony from anywhere regarding the sighting of crescent, leading this office to conclude that the Eid-ul-Fitr will be observed on Saturday across Jammu and Kashmir.

The Grand Mufti has extended in advance his warm Eid greetings to the whole Ummah and especially to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. “May this auspicious eve brings with it a lot of joy, happiness, peace and prosperity to all of us”, Islam said. (GNS)

SRINAGAR: With authorities failing to regulate the prices of essential commodities,  the profiteers in Srinagar are selling essential commodities at exorbitant rates.

People from different areas including Khanyar, Dalgate, Nowshera, Batamaloo, Sanat Nagar complained that the retailers were openly selling mutton at Rs 600 to Rs 700 per kg.

Though people have been repeatedly saying the retailers were openly fleecing customers, the Department of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs (FCS&CA) has failed to act.

Shabir Ahmad, a resident of Dalgate said the mutton was being sold at exorbitant rates despite repeated warnings from the divisional administration of taking strict action under the law against overpricing of commodities including mutton and chicken.

"Profiteers are having an open field as the authorities concerned have kept their eyes shut to the problems confronting common people," said Altaf Ahmad.

CNS received scores of complaints from South Kashmir districts, Srinagar uptown, and outskirts against overcharging by the meat sellers.

"In our locality near Hazratbal, no retailer sells the meat at a government fixed rate. Yet there is no check by the government," said Nazir Ahmed from the Habak area of Srinagar.

Many people from the old city and adjoining areas complained that mutton in their areas was being sold at Rs 650-700 per KG.

The consumers also complained that poultry and vegetables were being sold at exorbitant prices. "The poultry is being sold at Rs 140 per kg when the government fixed rate is Rs 125. This is a brazen violation of the government-approved rate," said a consumer from the Habak area of Hazratbal.

The consumers complain that the rate list for vegetables and other essential commodities is not followed either. They said that daily use vegetables like potatoes, tomatoes, onions, and other vegetables are sold at higher than government-designated rates. They said the same is the case with fruits.

In Srinagar and on its outskirts Spinach (Palak) is being sold at Rs 100-120 per kg while peas are being sold at Rs 80.

One of the officials from the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department, revealed that through checking squads on the ground, they are streamlining the prices.

"Those who are violating the rates are being taken to task. We have sealed many shops. Butchers selling chicken only have also been warned of strict action in case of overcharging," he said.

He further added that they have got representation from poultry sellers seeking an increase in chicken prices. "However, no decision has been taken yet and the government price of chicken continues to be Rs 125 per Kg," he said.(CNS)

SRINAGAR: Anjuman Auqaf Jama Masjid Srinagar on Thrusday announced that due to inclement weather and water logging at historic Eidgah Srinagar , Eid-ul-Fitr prayer will be held at 9:00 at Jama Masjid Srinagar, instead of Eidgah Srinagar.

In a handout to GNS, the  Anjuman Auqaf urged Muslims to pay Sadaqah Fitr, which is fixed at Rs 65 per person, before Eid prayer so that deserving people also join Eid festivities .

The Anjuman once again strongly demanded unconditional release of its detained head Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Dr Moulvi Muhammad Umar Farooq before Eid, reads the statement.(GNS)

SRINAGAR: Grand Mufti, J&K, Mufti Nasir-ul-Islam was on Wednesday caught in a quagmire after a video-clip, purportedly showing him making an announcement regarding the sighting of ‘Shawal moon’ went viral on social-media platforms. The video-clip has been allegedly leaked by some miscreant believed to have accompanied a group of media persons from government-run Doordarshan Kendra Srinagar.

The viral video-clip, as per GNS, caught the netizens in frenzy and mostly took potshots at Mufti Nasir-ul-Islam over the matter. Many of the netizens, in knowhow of the things, somehow justified the recording of video-clip, saying it was part of the practice to pre-record both the versions, one affirming and another negating the sighting of the moon. The video-clip however created much confusion as the ‘miscreant’ had only posted the negating version of the statement.

When contacted over the issue, Mufti Nasir-ul-Islam told GNS that the recording of the video-clips’ is part of the practice to avoid last minute rush, at the time when the announcement is usually made.

“I was approached by some media persons of DoorDarshan Kendra Srinagar to pre-record the video-clips”, Islam said adding they Door Darshan people can’t make it to me at the time of actual announcement, due to their busy schedule.

“While the recording was going on in presence of over ten people, some miscreant has recorded one version of my statement and posted it on social-media platforms in an attempt to create confusion", Islam said.

“If at all the video-clip in circulation makes it to the social media, I ask the people not to consider it until there is any announcement from any credible media organization”, Islam said.

The Grand Mufti, in the meantime said that he has referred the matter to law-enforcement agencies for action against the ‘miscreant’, making an attempt to breach law and order situation.

“We are checking through CCTVs who this mischievous person is”, he said adding “A letter has been sent to Cyber Crime and the matter also referred to the Crime Branch and the Director General of Police also informed about it to register an FIR and take stern action the person who has done this mischief.”

“The miscreant has no understanding how bad repercussions such a thing is cast in the public sphere”, Islam said. (GNS)

SRINAGAR: In order to ensure appropriate and necessary arrangements to facilitate general public to observe forthcoming religious festivals of Shab-e-Qadr, Jumat  ul Vida and Eid ul Fitr, the Divisional Commissioner (Div Com) Kashmir, Vijay Kumar Bidhuri today chaired a meeting of officers to review facilities put in place by District Administrations and line departments.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Commissioners, Commissioner SMC, officers of Waqf Board, FCS&CA, PHE, PDD, R&B, Animal Husbandry, Sheep Husbandry, Health, Traffic Police, Metrology and other line departments.

During the meeting, the Div Com reviewed the availability of essential items, Ration, mutton and poultry in markets for the celebration of festivals.

He was briefed that there is abundance of all the essential items in the market and people would be facilitated through the arrangements of sale points of poultry on all the three occasions.

Div Com directed for the constitution of Joint Enforcement and Market Checking teams to check the quality of food items and illegal profiteering by traders, besides he instructed concerned to inspect the hygiene of workshops of Bakers & Confectioners.

The meeting was briefed about the availability of electricity and drinking water across the Kashmir valley.

With special focus on prime religious places where people throng in large numbers for congregational prayers, Div Com directed concerned officers to ensure availability of power back up, water tankers and sanitation at the Hazratbal Shrine and other mosques and shrines.

He also directed for publication of Traffic routes leading to Hazratbal Shrine and availability of RTC buses for the convenience of devotees.

Additionally, he directed SMC to conduct sanitation drives at Shrines and Mosques besides conducting cleanliness drives of roads to ensure dust free Eid.

The concerned officer of the Health Department was instructed to establish medical camps at Hazratbal Shrine and other places besides educating people regarding Covid Appropriate Behavior.

Bidhuri also appealed to people to adopt Covid Appropriate Behavior (CAB) during congregation prayers on the auspicious occasions as a precautionary measure to avoid spread of Covid-19. (GNS)