Tue Sep 17 03:00:58 UTC 2024: ## Kashmir Administration Faces Backlash for Holiday Discrepancy on Prophet Mohammed’s Birthday

**Srinagar, India:** Just two days ahead of the first phase of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, the administration has faced criticism for declaring a holiday on Monday for Eid Milad-un-Nabi, despite the Prophet Mohammed’s birthday falling on Tuesday, September 17th, according to the Muslim calendar.

The decision has drawn ire from prominent political and religious figures, including Peoples Democratic Party leader Iltija Mufti, who labelled the move “utterly insensitive” and urged the Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, to intervene.

Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, Kashmir’s top religious cleric, condemned the administration’s “callous attitude” towards the Muslim community and accused them of “ignorance” and “lack of respect” for religious traditions.

Grand Mufti Nasir ul Islam, who had announced the celebration of Eid Milad-un-Nabi on September 17th ten days prior, was also disregarded by the administration’s decision.

This incident is not the first time the administration has drawn criticism for deviating from the local Muslim calendar in announcing religious holidays. Similar concerns were raised in April regarding Eid-ul-Fitr, when employees were marked absent for not attending work on April 10th, despite the holiday being officially declared for the following day.

The current controversy highlights the potential for the administration’s actions to be perceived as insensitive, especially in a region with a significant Muslim population. The decision comes as the government is facing pressure to address concerns about the political and social landscape of Jammu and Kashmir during the election season.

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