Adil Lateef
SRINAGAR, Sept 9: With Eid-ul-Adha only few days away, the traditional enthusiasm and joy is missing in Kashmir this time as shutdown, protests and curfew has gripped entire region since over last two months after the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Muzzaffar Wani.
The Eid-ul-Adha – one of the two festivals of Muslims – is being celebrated on September 13 next week but the ongoing unrest that resulted in killings of over 75 people and injuries to thousands has cast shadows on the celebrations. “There is little to celebrate for us this Eid. The two months were full of grief, sorrow and pain and there is no improvement even now,” said Humaira, an engineering student, who lives in volatile Old City area of Srinagar.
In view of the current situation, almost all the sections of the Valley have urged people to celebrate Eid with austerity and simplicity. “In any situation, it is imperative for Muslims to celebrate Eid and we will do that but with austerity. We have to remember all those families and individuals who faced the brunt of unrest,” a businessman hailing from worst affected south Kashmir said.
Although the State Government has lifted curfew from parts of Valley but there is no end to protests and clashes between protesters and security forces. Some of the residents here were hoping that separatists will relax shutdown ahead of Eid, but instead of relaxation the Valley’s separatists extended strike till September 16 (third day of Eid).
Since last two days, as Eid nears, people in large numbers are coming out of their houses in city areas including from downtown here after 6 pm (during deal in strike by separatists) for shopping. But, according to traders, the people are mostly buying essential commodities. “Ninety percent customers buy essential commodities and only ten percent are those who buy other items like garments and shoes,” said general secretary of Kashmir Traders and Manufacturers’ Federation, Bashir Ahmad Kongposh.
He said that the bakers have not prepared any bakery so far in view of the ongoing situation and calls for celebrating Eid with austerity. “There would be limited purchase of bakery, mutton and chicken in coming days,” he said, adding: “the fervor that we used to witness on this Eid is completely missing.”
The ongoing unrest has not only hit the celebrations but also the sale of sacrificial animals in the region. On the occasion of Eid-ul-Adha, the Muslims across the world sacrifice selected animals to please the almighty as was done by Abraham, one of Islam’s Prophets, centuries ago. However, the sacrificial animals are hardly visible in Srinagar areas due to shutdown and security restrictions.
“We looked for the sheep in entire city and found them only at fewer places. On one side, there is shortage of the sacrificial animals and on the other, the rates have also gone up,” said Zeeshan, a telecom professional hailing from Srinagar’s uptown area. He said that the sheep and goats are missing from traditional sale points and people are running from pillar to post to purchase them.
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