Preparations have intensified in Jammu and Kashmir for the last Friday (13 March) of the holy month of Ramzan i.e. ‘Jumaat-ul-Vida’. This year Jumat-ul-Vida will be celebrated on Friday, March 13. This occasion is also celebrated as ‘Yaum-e-Quds’ (Quds Day) and in view of the current situation of the ongoing war in Iran, very tight security arrangements have been made in the entire Kashmir Valley.
In Srinagar, Mufti-Azam of Kashmir Nasir-ul-Islam has officially announced that this year Jumat-ul-Vida will fall on March 13. He said that this decision has been taken because it is likely to fall on Eid-ul-Fitr next Friday (March 13).
Expectation of collective namaz in Jama Masjid after 7 years
Meanwhile, an important meeting of Anjuman Auqaf Jama Masjid was held under the chairmanship of Mirwaiz Umar Farooq. Arrangements for Jumat-ul-Vida, Shab-e-Qadr and Eid-ul-Fitr were finalized in the meeting. Auqaf has expressed hope that the administration will allow mass prayers and religious gatherings in the historic Jama Masjid of the old city after a long gap of almost seven years. Auqaf has assured that proper coordination with all concerned government departments will be ensured to ensure that the prayers are conducted peacefully.
Security agencies alert due to ‘Yum-e-Quds’ and Iran war
The day of Jumat-ul-Vida is also celebrated as ‘Yum-e-Quds’ (the day of independence of Masjid-e-Aqsa) since 1980, which was started by the Supreme Leader of Iran Ayatollah Khomeini.
Police officials believe that this time the Friday (March 13) prayers will be a ‘big test’ in terms of security. According to officials, taking advantage of the ongoing war in Iran and the occasion of Quds Day, some anti-social elements may instigate violent protests in the valley. The recent violence after the assassination of Ayatollah Khomeini has served as a big wake-up call for the police.
IGP reviewed security, police on high alert
To maintain law and order in the valley, Inspector General of Police (IGP) of Kashmir Zone V.K. Birdi held a high-level security review meeting at the Police Control Room (PCR).
- Focus on festivals: The security grid has been strengthened in view of the upcoming festivals like Shab-e-Barat, Navratri, Eid-ul-Fitr and Nowroz.
- Strict instructions: Officials have been given strict instructions to increase vigil, conduct surprise checks in sensitive areas and intensify patrolling so that any untoward incident can be avoided.