Srinagar: The Divisional administration in Kashmir won’t allow Eid-ul-Adha congregational prayers in view of COVID-19.
The decision was taken at a meeting chaired by Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, P K Pole regarding arrangements on this year’s Eid-ul-Adha with stakeholders.
According to the official communiqué to deputy Commissioners and other concerned departments from Divisional Commissioner’s office, the meeting held on 22nd of this month decided that the prevailing COVID-19 restrictions imposed by the administration from July 22-27 shall be eased from July 28 till July 30 to allow people to buy essentials for Eid.
However, no public transport except passenger auto/personnel vehicles shall be allowed to ply on the roads on the said days.
Regarding the opening of markets from July 28-30, the Deputy Commissioners have been asked to locally take a call over the reopening pattern on these days in accordance with SOP and COVID-19 guidelines.
The DCs have also been asked to identify suitable places where sacrificial animals shall be kept available on the said days at rates already fixed by the government and aware general public that “no sale/ purchase of these animals shall be allowed from July 31.”
In order to overcome shortage of sacrificial animals, Mughal Road shall be specially thrown open for the purpose, the communiqué said.
The respective DCs have also been asked to hold a capacity building programme under the supervision of epidemiologist for Imams regarding precautionary measures to be taken while distributing the sacrificial meat.
While the concerned departments have been asked to facilitate general public on the occasion, the communique said that “All the Masjids/ shrines shall remain closed for Nimaz.”
“But SMC/ULB shall launch a cleanliness drive at all the mosques/ shrines in Srinagar and valley well before Eid-ul-Adha, ” it added.
The deputy Commissioners/SSPs shall ensure that the shopkeepers are following all thc covid-19 related SOP’s in letter and spirit, and in case of any violation such shopkeepers shall be booked. under relevant provisions of law, the order reads.
“The Join market checking teams comprising of FS&CA Deptt/revenue/Police/SMC/ legal Metrology/ Drug & Food Safety Standards Deptt shall ensure market checking to curb profiteering/black marketing of essential
Commodities by traders (wholesalers /retailers) and ensure availability of essential commodities like Mutton, Chicken, Vegetables, fruits, bakery and confectionary etc
in the markets as per the notified.
The order also reads rat KPDCL shall ensure uninterrupted power supply on the
Eve of Eid ul Adha. ” It shall be ensured that all
damaged transformers are made functional well before the Eid.” (KNS)
