Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir’s Education Minister Sakina Itoo on Friday criticised the LG-led administration for refusing to shift the public holiday on account of Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi (SAW), alleging that such decisions amount to “playing with the emotions” of the people.
In a post on X, the minister wrote that it was “totally unjust” to observe the holiday on the wrong date. “Eid-e-Milad, a sacred occasion for Muslims worldwide, is not observed as a holiday on the correct date in J&K. What does ‘subject to appearance of the moon’ mean if it is not followed? Despite repeated requests from the elected government to shift the holiday, no action has been taken,” she said, adding that such sensitive decisions should lie with the elected government rather than the administration.
The issue has snowballed into a larger controversy across the Valley, with prominent religious leaders also voicing dismay. Grand Mufti Nasir-ul-Islam earlier described the government’s notification as “most unfortunate,” saying that failing to align the holiday with the actual moon sighting reflected “a negative approach” towards a day of immense spiritual significance. He urged the authorities to exercise greater accuracy and sensitivity in future announcements to prevent confusion among the public.
Hurriyat leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq too had condemned what he termed as the administration’s “utter disregard” for the sentiments of the Muslim community, noting that this was the second consecutive year the holiday had not been rescheduled according to the moon sighting. He added that he would raise the issue during his Friday sermon at Jama Masjid.
Eid Milad-un-Nabi (SAW), marking the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), is one of the most revered occasions in Jammu and Kashmir and is observed annually with special prayers, processions, and religious gatherings.
