- The Prayers: In some places, like the CM's hometown, prayers were allowed a day after Id. Most places were less lucky.
- The Protests: Since Burhan Wani’s killing, there has been no let-up in protests against security forces, with slogans of ‘azadi’.
- The Body Count: Two Kashmiris were killed in firing by security forces on Id in Bandipora, taking the toll since July 8 to 80.
***
The mosque as a site of politics is indeed part of the Kashmir story—as pivotal points of congregation and dissemination right from the days of 1989 to the recent flashpoints. And yet, people in the Valley cannot recall when, if ever, they were barred from offering Id prayers in mosques. Some people claim this last happened almost two centuries ago when Srinagar’s Jamia Masjid was forcibly shut down for several months following an uprising against oppressive Sikh rulers.
But this year on Id, people...
THIS ARTICLE IS PRICELESS...
To read this piece, and more such stories in India's most exciting and exacting magazine, plus get access to our 25-year archives goldmine, please subscribe.
