Srinagar, Aug 31 (IANS) Thousands of Muslims Wednesday offered prayers in the Kashmir Valley amid tight security on the festival of Eid-ul-Fitr which was marred by protests and clashes last year.


Wearing new clothes, they greeted each other at various Eidgahs here where special arrangements had been made by the authorities to facilitate the Eid prayers.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah offered prayers in Sonawar area of the city while separatist leader and chairman of the moderate Hurriyat group, Mirwaiz Umer Farooq, offered prayers at the Eidgah grounds in the Old City.

Muhammad Yasin Malik, chairman of the Jammu and Kashmir Liberation front (JKLF) offered prayers at the Polo grounds in this Jammu and Kashmir summer capital.

Hardliner Syed Ali Geelani offered prayers in his north Kashmir Sopore hometown.

Large Eid gatherings were seen at the Hazratbal Shrine, Eidgah grounds, Polo grounds and some other places.

Security forces, including the local police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), were deployed in sufficient strength to ensure smooth conduct of Eid prayers in the city.

"No untoward incident has been reported from anywhere in the valley. Eid-ul-Fitr prayers were held with religious fervour across the Valley," a police officer said.

Massive violence and arson had rocked Srinagar last year when hundreds of unruly protesters gathered in city centre Lal Chowk. The protesters set ablaze many government offices and fought pitched battles with the security forces the entire day, marring Eid festivities.