The Hindu : National : Id with a difference in militancy-hit J&K

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Thursday, Oct 26, 2006
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Id with a difference in militancy-hit J&K

The number of faithful to offer prayers at the Hazratbal was the highest in two decades

Photo: PTI

PRAYER TIME: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad (second from left), the former Chief Ministers, Mufti Muhammad Sayeed (left) and Farooq Abdullah (second from right), and National Conference president Omar Abdullah offer prayers at the Hazratbal shrine on Wednesday.

SRINAGAR : It was a break from violence: a large gathering in the historic Hazratbal mosque here was witness to soldiers relaxing for once to celebrate the festive season.

It was Id-ul-Fitr with a difference in the militancy-ravaged Jammu and Kashmir.

The State celebrated the festival, marking the end of the holy fasting month of Ramzan, on Wednesday with Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad with his two predecessors — Mufti Mohammed Sayeed and Farooq Abdullah — offering prayers at the Hazratbal mosque along with a record number of 2.5 lakh Muslims.

The number of faithful to offer prayers at the Hazratbal shrine this year is the highest in two decades, an official spokesman said.

The shrine houses the holy relics of Prophet Mohammed.

National Conference President Omar Abdullah was also present at the massive gathering which saw almost all the political bigwigs offering prayers. PTI

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