Amid Eidgah row, Rudrapur Muslims to offer Eid prayers in silent protest

RUDRAPUR: Amid an ongoing dispute over Eidgah land in Rudrapur, members of the Muslim community have decided to offer Eid prayers wearing black bands as a mark of silent protest after authorities barred congregational prayers at the traditional site.The controversy began weeks ago when the Rudrapur Municipal Corporation (RMC) carried out an anti-encroachment drive at the Eidgah ground in the Kheda area, claiming a significant portion of the land was government-owned. The action, conducted under heavy police deployment, cleared what officials termed "unauthorised occupation", altering the space long used for Eid congregations.For nearly 15 years, thousands had gathered at the Eidgah twice a year. Following the drive, authorities directed that Eid prayers be held at 13 designated mosques across the city instead of a single congregation.Maulana Zahid Raza Rizvi, a prominent cleric, criticised the move, saying, "Eid namaz is not just a ritual, it is a symbol of unity. Dividing it into 13 mosques breaks that spirit. As a mark of pain, we will offer namaz wearing black bands."Echoing similar sentiments, residents expressed disappointment over the decision. "This Eid will not feel like Eid," said Umar Khan of Khera Colony. "We grew up coming to this Eidgah with our fathers and now our children. Today, we are being told to scatter. It feels like something sacred has been taken away."Sofia Naaz said, "Eid is about togetherness. When the entire community bows in one place, it creates a different spiritual feeling. Offering prayers separately will leave a void in our hearts.""I have been offering namaz here for over 15 years. I never imagined I would see a day when we would have to protest just to preserve our tradition," said elderly resident Haji Salim.RMC Mayor Vikas Sharma, however, maintained that the action was administrative. "The removal of encroachment was conducted as per law, and adequate arrangements have been made at multiple mosques to ensure smooth observance of Eid prayers," he said.