As Ramzan approached its final days in 2026, the atmosphere in Kashmir was charged with religious fervor and political tension. On March 13, just before the last Friday of Ramzan, the region witnessed significant gatherings and notable events that underscored the complexities of faith and governance in the area.

The largest congregation took place at the Hazratbal shrine, where worshippers from various parts of the Valley gathered for noon prayers. This event marked a moment of unity among the faithful, as they came together to observe the holy month.

However, the mood was dampened by the closure of the Jamia Masjid in Srinagar, which prevented Mirwaiz Umar Farooq from delivering the traditional sermon on the last Friday, known as Jumat-ul-Vida. This marked the seventh consecutive year that the mosque had been closed on this significant occasion, drawing condemnation from the Anjuman Auqaf Jama Masjid.

Mirwaiz Umar Farooq expressed his discontent, comparing the closure of Jamia Masjid to the restrictions faced by worshippers at Masjid al-Aqsa during Ramzan. He stated, “Just as Israel has forcibly shut the gates of Masjid al-Aqsa during Ramzan, a similar painful reality is being witnessed here. It is deeply shameful that the houses of Allah are being locked against the faithful.”

In a show of solidarity, Shia Muslims organized street rallies on ‘Youm-e-Quds’, emphasizing their support for Palestinians. These rallies took place across three districts, highlighting the interconnectedness of local and global issues within the context of Ramzan.

Farooq Abdullah, a prominent political figure, also addressed the situation, praying for peace and stability. He remarked, “May Allah end the war and defeat the forces that seek to destroy Islam. We pray for peace, stability, and relief for people facing hardship.” This statement reflects the broader concerns of the community during this sacred month.

As the observance of Ramzan continues, the juxtaposition of spiritual devotion and political challenges remains evident. The closures and gatherings have sparked discussions about religious freedom and the rights of worshippers in Kashmir.

Currently, the situation remains tense, with many awaiting further developments regarding the accessibility of religious sites and the ongoing observance of Ramzan. The events of this month are significant not only for the local population but also for the broader discourse on religious practices in contested regions.

Ultimately, the sequence of events during Ramzan in Kashmir highlights the delicate balance between faith and governance, underscoring the importance of these observances for the community.

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In a shocking incident, former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah was the target of an assassination attempt during a wedding at the Hotel Royal Park in Greater Kailash, Jammu, on March 12, 2026. The assailant, identified as Kamal Singh Jamwal, attempted to shoot Abdullah but was overpowered by security personnel before he could inflict any harm. This incident has raised serious concerns regarding the security arrangements for high-profile individuals in the region.

The attack was particularly alarming as it occurred despite Abdullah being under Z+ security, a classification that indicates a high level of protection typically reserved for prominent political figures. Jamwal, who claimed he had been planning to kill Abdullah for the past 20 years, approached the former chief minister and pointed a firearm at him, as captured by CCTV footage. Fortunately, Abdullah and Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary were unharmed during the incident.

Details surrounding the attack revealed that the firearm used by Jamwal was his licensed gun. Reports indicate that he was found to be inebriated at the time of the incident, which may have contributed to his reckless actions. The police have since seized the pistol and stated that there is no terror angle involved in this case, categorizing it as a personal vendetta.

Omar Abdullah, Farooq’s son and former Chief Minister himself, expressed his relief that his father escaped unharmed, stating, “Allah is kind. My father had a very close shave.” However, he also raised concerns about the security protocols in place, questioning how someone could get so close to a Z+ protected individual. He remarked, “There are more questions than answers at the moment including but not limited to how someone was able to get this close to a Z+ NSG protected former CM.”

Surinder Choudhary echoed these sentiments, calling the incident a “very serious security lapse.” The police have launched a detailed investigation into the circumstances surrounding the attack, focusing on potential security failures that allowed Jamwal to approach Abdullah without detection.

This incident is not an isolated one, as it highlights ongoing security challenges faced by political figures in Jammu and Kashmir. The region has a complex history of political tension and violence, making the safety of its leaders a paramount concern. The fact that an individual with a long-standing grudge could attempt such an act raises alarms about the effectiveness of current security measures.

As investigations continue, the authorities are expected to review security protocols for high-profile individuals in the region. The outcome of this incident may lead to significant changes in how security is managed for political figures, especially in public settings. Details remain unconfirmed regarding any additional measures that may be implemented in the wake of this attack.

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