Netizens express resentment over “Khelo India Program” in Gulmarg amid Corona Virus threat

Srinagar: Netizens have expressed strong resentment on Saturday over starting “Khelo India Program” at famous Ski Resort Gulmarg amidst COVID-19 threat across Jammu and Kashmir followed by precautionary measures like closure of educational institutions, suspension of biometric attendance etc by authorities.

According to Kashmir News Service (KNS), several quarters of society took social media sites while criticizing the move of LG Murmu led administration which facilitated “Khelo India Program” at famous Ski Resort Gulmarg amidst atmosphere of threat of Corona Virus that caused widespread panic across J&K.

“Thousands to gather at Gulmarg for winter games. Is this not putting all of them at risk? Should government not rethink? People across are battling Corona and we are gathering so many at one place”, Idrees Lone, expressed on facebook.

“A mega sporting event, #Gulmarg2020, should be cancelled forthwith to avoid spread of the deadly #Coronavirus, COVID-19. It is most definitely a dangerous gathering at a time when all health advisories caution against large gatherings. Why are some keen to bring COVID to Kashmir?”, a Kashmir based journalist Gowhar Geelani tweeted.

PDP president Mehbooba Mufti’s daughter, Iltija Mufti has also criticized the administrations move for allowing winter sports event at famous Ski Resort Gulmarg.

“At a time when Coronavirus has caused a global health crisis & EU – India summit deferred, J&K admin is organizing a massive sports event in Gulmarg. Why should Kashmiri’s bear a staggering cost for showcasing ‘normalcy’?” Iltija tweeted, who uses her mother’s verified Twitter handle.

Even Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) Mayor Junaid Azim Matoo advised that this weekend the famous flea market in heart of Srinagar City should also be disallowed.

“I am also of the firm opinion that we should not allow the Sunday flea market in Srinagar this weekend”, Matoo tweeted.

He further said that common sense dictates that all congregations, including religious ones, should be avoided.

“If KSA (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia) could stop Umrah visas and shut the Holy Kaaba for deep-cleaning/ sterilization – how is disallowing Friday prayers controversial?”, Matoo asked.

Another social media user Rauf Bhat tweeted, “Khelo India winter games in Gulmarg could open gates for Coronavirus in #Kashmir. I hope state administration has a plan in place to keep the virus-affected at bay. It would, however, be rational on part of the organizers to cancel the event in the interest of general public”.

It is pertinent to mention that the deadliest virus COVID-19 broke in China’s Wuhan city last December that claimed 3700 lives so far and affected thousands who are being treated and investigated in medical facilities across the globe. In Jammu and Kashmir authorities also sounded alert and asked people to abide directions given by doctors in letter and spirit and also take precautionary measures including respiratory and hand hygiene. (KNS)

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