Kashmir curfew bans celebration of Eid-al-Adha for first time
Today marks the feast of the "sacrifice to God" for the end of the pilgrimage to Mecca. Muslims can not go to the most famous temple. The authorities impose prayers in local mosques. Helicopters and drones flying over the area to prevent gatherings.
Srinagar (AsiaNews) - For the first time in the history of India, today the Muslims living in Kashmir can not go to the famous Hazratbal temple in Srinagar, summer capital of the state, to celebrate the festival of Eid-al-Adha. In fact, the Indian authorities have imposed a curfew in all 10 districts and government have told the faithful to pray at local mosques.
Meanwhile security has been stepped up throughout the territory, while clashes continue between protesters and the police, which have increased the death toll of the most violent protests in recent years to 80 deaths.
Today the Muslims celebrate the "feast of sacrifice to God" that marks the end of the pilgrimage to Mecca. Usually in Kashmir celebrations include the pilgrimage to Hazratbal and the ritual sacrifice of sheep and goats. Today, however, the shops are closed, the streets and markets deserted. Only protesters are on the streets after separatist leaders called on them to block the national highway that runs in the Valley.
Meanwhile the authorities in Delhi have scrambled helicopters and drones for the monitoring of the area and to prevent public gatherings.
The security forces killing of Burhan Wani, one of the best-known separatist leaders, sparked a new wave of violence that is causing serious damage to the local population. To date, over 10 thousand have been injured, the schools are closed, children attend classes only through the work of volunteers who have opened the doors of their homes and mosques to ensure a continuity in teaching. Appeals for peace launched by prestigious personalities such as a group of imams and Malala Yousafzai, Nobel Peace Laureate have fallen on deaf ears.
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24/01/2005
20/07/2021 09:14
