Ramadhan first Friday: Mosques, shrines remained locked as Covid threat looms large
Srinagar: For the first time in the holy month of Ramadan, Mosques and shrines across Jammu and Kashmir witnessed no buzz with all the religious places remaining closed for over one month now in wake of deadly Coronavirus outbreak.
No mandatory congregational prayers were witnessed in any Mosque or shrine on the first Friday here, witnesses said, adding that even Dargah Hazratbal and historic Jamia Masjid, which otherwise remain flooded with devotees remained closed for prayers.
The authorities as well as the religious clerics have appealed people to offer prayers at home to prevent the deadly virus from spreading, which claimed eight lives so far and left 614 people infected.
The Masjids and shrines in other districts besides Srinagar also remained closed for the prayers. The religious places have been closed amid lockdown across India, called by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi in wake of Coronavirus.
Unlike previous Fridays in Ramadan, no stalls were seen installed outside the Masjids and shrines as well as in the markets where people were usually buy essentials and Attar, Miswak, skull caps and other things.
Witnesses said that the lockdown continued to remain in force for 38th straight day in Jammu and Kashmir with authorities continue to deploy police and paramilitary troopers on roads to enforce the lockdown strictly.
They said the large contingent of forces were deployed on ground, who had erected concertina wires and put temporary barricades on the roads at many places, thus thwarting the vehicular as well as pedestrians movement in the respective areas.
Pertinently, 105 red zones have been declared by the government so far in JK, where the entry and exit of people is strictly being restricted and monitored.
The markets across Jammu and Kashmir continued to wear deserted look while as the business establishments and educational institutions including Schools, Colleges and Universities remained closed. (with KNO inputs)
KV News
