Unlike most parts of the world where Eid is celebrated with great religious fervor and gaiety by offering huge congregational prayers after which supplications are made for the peace and prosperity of the nation, the people from the valley of Kashmir, unfortunately have to think of their safety first and then prepare themselves for this religious festival, which not only makes one feel sorry for them, but, also highlights the grim situation the people have to go through even on such blessed festivals.
While in the rest of the world, we get to see the streets abuzz with people performing different activities and thereby relishing the true spirit of the festival, the valley of Kashmir has something else to offer to its people. Being a disputed territory, the people of the valley whether willing or not, have to submit their will before the administration. Be it our own faults or the highhandedness of the authorities, the common man is at the receiving end. While recalling the nightmarish incident that took place on the blessed day of Eid (lobbing innumerable tear gas shells by security forces in every direction) which made people to run for their lives and left so many of them injured while the others who made their way through congested streets had to suffer huge damages to their vehicles, there is only one question which strikes my mind again and again and that is, who is at fault in the end? Either those who are hell bent to make things complicated and further aggravate the already worsened situation or those who are there to ensure the safety and security of the people? Anyways, whoever is guilty, it is the sanctity of this blessed festival that is ruined. It is really heart wrenching to see the people suffer on this pious day instead of enjoying the festivity. Not going with the blame game, there are several aspects that need to be taken care of, to avoid such incidents in future.
First and the foremost the people should remember that Eid as a festival should not be used for any political gains. Unfortunately, now a days this sacred day is being used by people to register their protest against the government. The festival of Eid holds immense sanctity for it commemorates the end of Holy month of Ramadan in which people seek forgiveness of their sins and pray for eternal peace and prosperity. Events such as holding protests or resorting to stone pelting on this pious day not only account to its disrespect but also make others uncomfortable to carry out their religious duties which they otherwise can do if nothing untoward happens. The spirit of fasting lies in adhering to the principles of Islam which is against any form of violence but what follows Eid prayers goes exactly opposite to it. In this fast running time, where we seldom get any time from our worldly affairs, this festival fastens the ties of relationship by enabling people to visit their nears and dears and offer them gifts and greetings but going by the present situation, this practice might not last longer as the people get confined in their own homes because of safety and security concerns. How unfortunate!!! The time has finally come to think seriously about the holiness of this blessed day to do justice with it.
Syed Maajid Rashid Andrabi
[email protected]
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