Washington D.C., The Kashmir American Welfare Association (KAWA) held an Eid Milan party at the Islamic Center of Potomac, Maryland, where over 600 community members gathered to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr. While the event marked a significant religious celebration, it also became a platform for expressing solidarity with the people of Gaza and Kashmir, who are currently facing severe crises.

According to Kashmir Media Service, the event, highlighted by the presence of Pakistani Ambassador Masood Khan and various community leaders, focused on the ongoing issues in Gaza and Kashmir. Raja Liaqat Kayani, President of KAWA, pointed out that the celebrations were subdued due to the tragic events in these regions, particularly emphasizing the plight of Gazans and Kashmiris who could not celebrate Eid due to oppression and conflict.

The gathering began with a special prayer for the martyrs of Gaza and Kashmir. It was noted during the event that the United Nations has accused Israel of committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, where a humanitarian crisis is worsening, with thousands killed and millions at risk of starvation.

Ambassador Masood Khan and other speakers, including Dr. Ghulam Nabi Fai and Sardar Yamin Khan, called for unity and advocacy for the rights of oppressed populations, specifically the right to self-determination for Kashmiris. They criticized the international community, including the Biden Administration, for its perceived inaction on these humanitarian issues.

The event also featured distribution of Eid gifts to children and acknowledgment of community members who contributed to the event’s success, reflecting a strong sense of community and shared concern for global Muslim issues.