Summary A large number of Muslims made their way to Eidgah for offering the Eid prayers.
SRINAGAR (Web Desk) - Eidul Fitr is being celebrated across Indian-held Kashmir as men, women and children dressed in their best thronged mosques, shrines and Eidgahs across the Valley for prayers to mark the end of Ramazan.
A large number of Muslims made their way to Eidgah for offering the Eid prayers as a thanksgiving for the month-long fasting.
Ramazan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, is observed as a fasting period by Muslims the world over who abstain from food and water during the period extending from 30 minutes before the sunrise to sunset.
The biggest gathering of Eid prayers was witnessed at Hazratbal shrine where more than 50,000 faithful offered the Eid prayers, officials said.
The second largest gathering was held at Eidgah in the old city where more than 40,000 people offered prayers.
Big gatherings of Eid prayers were also reported at TRC and Polo ground in the heart of the city and other shrines of the city, they said, adding similar gatherings were held at all districts headquarters and major towns of the Valley.
The authorities had placed top separatist leaders, including Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Mohammad Yasin Malik under house arrest, and did not allow them to join the congregational Eid prayers.
Immediately after Eid prayers thousands of people staged anti-India and pro-freedom demonstrations in Srinagar, Islamabad, Sopore, Baramulla, Pattan, Bandipore, Kangan, Pulwama, Kulgam, Shopian, Budgam, Kupwara, Kishtwar and other areas of the territory. The protest call after Eid prayers was given by All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) Chairman, Syed Ali Gilani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Front Mohammad Yasin Malik.
The protesters shouted high-pitched slogans, Jeevee-Jeevee Pakistan, Teeree Jaan mare Jaan Pakistan, We want freedom and hoisted Pakistani national flags.
According to Kashmir Media Service, dozens of people including media men were critically injured after Indian police personnel fired teargas shells and resorted to baton charge on protesters at Eidgah, Nowhatta, Hyderpora, Sopore, Baramulla, Pattan, Kangan, Islamabad, Pulwama areas. The clashes between Indian police and protesters were going on till last reports came in.
Indian paramilitary forces also lobbed tear gas shells on Nimazis at Eidgah during Eid prayers in Srinagar.
Eidul Fitr in India will be celebrated tomorrow.
WATCH VIDEO BELOW:
