Washington, D.C: Eid al-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha are two major holidays celebrated by Muslims all over the world. Eid al-Fitr commemorates the end of fasting. It is being celebrated as the accomplishment of religious duties during the month of Ramadhan. In the United States, Eid al-Fitr was celebrated on Wednesday, April 10, 2024.

The board of directors of ‘Kashmir American Welfare Association’ (KAWA), mostly Americans of Azad Kashmir ancestry of Washington metropolitan area, organized Eid Milan party at Islamic Center of Potomac, Maryland. Brother Mohammad V. Mohsin, Sri Lankan-American businessman, Chairman of the Board of Islamic Center who donated mor than 8-acre land to build this Islamic Center also attended the Eid celebration. The board of KAWA thanked Brother Mohsin for his selfless contribution to make the Islamic Center a reality.

 More than 600 community members, including women and children participated in this auspicious occasion.

 However, the Eid celebration was overshadowed by the genocide taking place in Gaza.

 Raja Liaqat Kayani, President of KAWA said that our brethren in Gaza could not celebrate the Eid while mourning for the dead. Likewise, our brethren in occupied Kashmir were not allowed to observe the Lailatul Qadar, Jummatul Widah and Salatul Eid – three important events that occur in Ramadhan -- at Grand Mosque (Jamia Masjid), Srinagar.

 The Eid Milan began by making special Du’a for the martyrs of Gaza and Kashmir.  The United Nations officials are on the record to have said that Israel is involved in genocide of Palestinians. Till date about 37,0000 innocent people of Gaza including thousands of women and children have been brutally massacred. More than two million Gazans are on the brink of starvation. Food and essential medical supplies are unavailable, and all the hospitals have been reduced to rubble.

 Ambassador Masood Khan, Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States who was the chief guest appreciated the sincere efforts of the board of KAWA who organized this grand event. We cannot celebrate Eid here in Washington and not talk about our brothers and sister in Palestine and Kashmir, Ambassador Masood emphasized. He urged the community to be united on one single objective which is the right of self-determination of the people of Kashmir.

 Sardar Zubair Khan, while representing Virginia said that we cannot let down the people of occupied Kashmir. They have given enormous sacrifices and we must become their voice in Washington and beyond. He added that the people of Kashmir have suffered long, and they demand, and they deserve peace.

 Sardar Zarif Khan distributed Eid gifts to more than 150 children who were wearing traditional national dress. Some of them were able to fast for the first time.

 Dr. Ghulam Nabi Fai, Secretary General, World Kashmir Awareness Forum said that we are saddened that the world powers, including Biden Administration have turned blind eye towards the suffering of Palestinian. There is all talk but no action. Likewise, Modi Administration has made Kashmir hell for its inhabitants. Let us be the voice of voiceless people of Palestine, Kashmir, and all oppressed people of the world, Fai added.

 Dr. Ghulam Nabi Mir, President, World Kashmir Awareness Forum came just to express his admiration to the American community of Azad Kashmiri origin for being the advocates of peace in the United States for the cause of Kashmir. 

 Sardar Yamin Khan, who was the moderator, expressed his joy for the outpouring response of the community to be present at this Eid Milan party. Yameen Khan said that we stand in solidarity with the people of the Palestine and occupied Kashmiris who have given immense sacrifices for the last more than 76 years.

 Others who made this event a success included: Sardar Shafi khan; Abid khan; Sardar Aftab Roshan; Waseem khan; Sheraz hayat; Latif Kayani; Shakil Anjum; Moqsood khan; Shafique shah; Seemab Shafique; Ani Shafique; Arshad Bukhari; Sohail Saleem; Awais Naseem; M. Nasar; Ashfaq shah; Asghar khan; Farooq khan and many others.

Dr. Fai is the Chairman, World Forum for Peace & Justice. He can be reached at: WhatsApp: 1-202-607-6435 gnfai2003@yahooc.om