Afaq Bhat
Srinagar, Apr 21: People in Kashmir are hoping that the advent of holy month of Ramadan would end their miseries.
“This is for the first time in my life that I will be offering prayers in my home during this holy month. All of us are hopeful that things will change for better in Ramadan,” said Rameez of Rawalpora.
As the Ramadan is all set to commence this week, authorities have urged the people to stay within their homes to prevent COVID-19 from spreading.
Kashmir has been under a lockdown for the past one month and the spike in number of positive cases has made the people anxious. “There seems no possibility about lockdown being lifted in Kashmir soon as the number of positive cases in the Valley has surpassed 300. People most probably will have to spend Ramadan within their homes,” an analyst told Precious Kashmir.
He said, “Even if the number of positive patients starts declining, possibility about lockdown being lifted from one more month look bleak. Authorities won’t take chances, especially in the month of Ramadan, when the congregations and gatherings are huge.”
Situation in Bandipora district with more than 90 cases and in Srinagar with 79 cases continues to be grim. “There are many Red Zones in both these districts. If situation improves in coming days there is a possibility about restrictions being relaxed slightly in other districts but chances of any relaxation in Srinagar and Bandipora look bleak,” the analyst added.
“We have seen shutdowns in Ramadan month earlier also but during hartals and restrictions we could visit the local Masjids and offer prayers. But the COVID-19 lockdown is entirely different. It’s unfortunate that Almighty has closed the doors of the places of worship. It’s for the first time in the history that no congregational prayers will be offered in Makkah and Madina,” said Rameez Ahmed.
He said, “It’s high time for all of us to sit and introspect. People of all the religions are facing nature’s wrath. We used to put wild animals in cages and zoos today nature has turned us into prisoners within our own homes. We need to repent before it becomes too late.”
An observer said that the statements which are emanating from different quarters are a clear hint that normalcy won’t return soon. “The World Health Organization (WHO) has made it clear that vaccine is the only solution to contain the virus and till then people will have to wait,” the observer added.
