Coronavirus: Disallowing Friday congregations a curtail need, says Srinagar Mayor

Srinagar, Mar 17 : Terming disallowing Friday congregations for the tie being as a crucial need to curtail spread of coronavirus, Srinagar Mayor Junaid Azim Mattu on Tuesday said that similar measures have been taken by many Islamic countries.

However, he said in Kashmir – the administration will understandably be reluctant to issue such an order.

“In Kashmir – the administration will (understandably) be reluctant to issue such an order. I’ll stick my neck out AGAIN and reiterate the CRUCIAL need to disallow Friday congregations for the time being AS is being done in so many Islamic countries. Can we afford negligence?” Mr Mattu wrote on his twitter handle.

He said in almost all Islamic Countries – religious scholars are working with the governments, adding a virus doesn’t discriminate between a religious and a social congregation. “In Kashmir – we too need to consider all options – including this – to prevent a contagion we might not be able to fight,” he added.

Meanwhile, the authorities have issued a list of measures, including closure of educational institutes, hotels, gardens, food carts and saloons, under Disaster Management Act to contain the spread of Coronavirus in Srinagar, where so far no one has been tested positive for the disease.

District Magistrate, Srinagar, Shahid Iqbal Choudhary on Tuesday said that a notification has been issued under the Disaster Management Act for measures aimed at containment of Coronavirus spread in Srinagar.

“All medical colleges, universities, coaching centres and other educational institutions — government and private — shall continue to remain closed till further orders. The Heads of departments/institutions shall devise/submit proposal for televised coaching/classes at least by March 20 which shall be supported/financed by the district administration of Srinagar,” the order read.

It said that all Hostels and Canteens shall remain closed till further notice.

“All gardens and parks in district Srinagar shall remain closed till further notice issued by DDMA Srinagar. It shall be responsibility of concerned Estates Officer to ensure that the parks are not opened to public in any case till such notification is issued,” it added.

The order further said that no restaurants, food courts, food joints, street food kiosks, roadside eateries, community kitchens, home delivery of food services etc. shall operate in district Srinagar till further notification by DDMA Srinagar. “No conferences, workshops, rallies, gatherings, sit in protests etc shall be organised till March 31, in the first instance,” it said. (Agencies)