Srinagar,29-Apr; For the 2nd time, the historic Jamia Masjid here remained closed today on the occasion of ‘Jummat-ul-Vida’, last Friday of Muslim fasting month of Ramazan as authorities decided not to allow Jumat-ul-Vida as well as Shab-e-Qadr prayers.Except for Jamia Masjid prayers were held in rest of Kashmir to mark Jummat-ul-Vida with religious fervor and gaiety. The last time Grand Mosque was closed on Jumma-tul-Vida was in 2017 as authorities announced restrictions in areas falling under five police station areas of Srinagar apparently to prevent protests against the civil and militant killings of Pulwama.At Hazratbal shrine, thousands of devotees joined the congregational Friday prayers. The J&K Wakf Board, which controls the shrine management, had made arrangements for the devotees who were seen thronging the religious place since early Friday morning.The congregational prayers were also held at all mosques and shrines in Srinagar including Masjid Jamiat-e-Ahlehadith, Gawkadal; Asar-e-Sharif, Janab Sahib Soura; Asar-e-Sharif Shehri Kalashpora; Ziarat-e-Makhdoom Sahib, Khanqah-e-Mualla, and different Imambaras.In South Kashmir, people in large numbers offered Jumat-ul-Vida congregational prayers at Jamia Masjid Hanfia, Jamia Masjid Ahlihadith, Bait-ul-Muqaram and Rehat-Ded Masjid in Islamabad (Anantnag) town. Congregational prayers were also offered in Ziarat-e-Sharief Khiram Kabamarg; Kund, Aishmuqam and Bijbehara areas of the district.In Kulgam, the biggest prayer gathering was seen in Jamia Masjid. Large congregational prayer gathering was also witnessed in Khankah Tral, Jamia Masjid Shopian and Jamia Masjid Pulwama.Thousands of Muslims also offered Jumat-ul-Vida prayers in all other districts of the UT.Meanwhile, Devotees said that it is for the 2nd time in the living memory of people that they are being barred from offering Juma-tul-vida prayers at Jamia Masjid.They added that for the whole year Muslims of the Valley are waiting to offer prayers in Jamia Masjid on this most important last Friday of the holiest month of Ramadan to earn reward and seek forgiveness of their almighty. And even that right has been snatched from us by “authorities”.Zainab Nazir usually offered Jumat-ul-Vida prayers at Srinagar’s Jamia Masjid. “On this day I used to go early in the morning so that I could offer my salah inside the masjid. When sometimes the Jummah prayers were not allowed in the masjid, then I visited Bazar
