Kashmir Politics 2025: Sakina Itoo Slams Govt for Ignoring Repeated Requests to Shift Eid-e-Milad (SAW) Holiday
Kashmir politics heats up as Sakina Itoo accuses govt of ignoring repeated requests to shift Eid-e-Milad (SAW) holiday ahead of 2025 celebrations
Srinagar, Sep 05: Education Minister, Jammu and Kashmir, Sakina Itoo on Friday criticized the LG-led administration for not shifting the holiday on account of Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi (SAW), saying it was akin to ‘playing with emotions’ of the people.
“This is totally unjust that 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 Govt to shift the holiday, no action has been taken. This is playing with the emotions of the people. Such decisions should be at the helm of the elected government.,” she said, in a post on X.
The political atmosphere in Jammu and Kashmir has taken a sharp turn as senior politician Sakina Itoo criticized the government for repeatedly ignoring requests from the elected administration to reschedule the Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi (SAW) holiday. Her remarks have sparked a wave of debate across the Valley, raising questions over governance, sensitivity toward religious sentiments, and the treatment of democratic institutions in the region.
Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi (SAW), which commemorates the birth of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), is among the most significant dates on the Islamic calendar. Traditionally, the state government issues a gazetted holiday to allow widespread observance. However, according to Sakina Itoo, the elected government had made multiple formal requests to adjust the official holiday date in line with the lunar calendar and community consensus.
Despite these appeals, she alleged, the requests were “repeatedly ignored” by the administration, causing confusion and resentment among the people.
In a sharp statement, Sakina Itoo condemned the government’s indifference, arguing that ignoring such requests reflects not only a lack of respect for religious practices but also a dismissive attitude towards elected representatives.
“This is not just about a date on the calendar,” she said. “It is about acknowledging the voice of the people, respecting their faith, and honoring the role of elected governments. By ignoring repeated requests, the administration has undermined both religious sentiments and democratic principles.”
Her statement comes at a time when religious harmony and community sensitivities remain central to the region’s socio-political landscape.
Local religious leaders and community groups have echoed similar concerns. Many believe that failing to adjust the Eid-e-Milad (SAW) holiday in accordance with the lunar sighting risks disrupting traditional processions, prayers, and community gatherings.
For ordinary citizens, especially those in Kashmir’s religious and cultural hubs, the holiday is not just a day off but a moment of unity, devotion, and cultural identity. The controversy has therefore stirred frustration among residents who expect the government to be more attentive to such matters.
With elections and civic polls approaching in several parts of Jammu and Kashmir, this issue may become a rallying point for opposition voices. Analysts suggest that political leaders, including Sakina Itoo, are likely to amplify this matter to highlight broader concerns of governance, autonomy, and representation.
The criticism also touches upon the larger debate about whether the voices of locally elected leaders are being sidelined by administrative authorities, a theme that has dominated Kashmir’s political discourse in recent years.
Sakina Itoo concluded her remarks by urging the government to adopt a more sensitive and consultative approach in future. She called for greater coordination with religious leaders, scholars, and elected representatives when finalizing dates of significance, stressing that such steps would prevent misunderstandings and foster trust between the administration and the people.
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