Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha has directed Deputy Commissioners (DCs) Superintendents of Police (SPs) to facilitate observance of prayers and other religious functions during the Holy month of Ramadan during curfew timing.
Taking to micro-blogging site Twitter Sinha wrote: “ Have directed DCs/SPs to facilitate observance of prayers/ religious functions during the holy month of Ramadan during curfew timings, wherever necessary”.
The UT administration imposed night curfew from 2200 hrs to 0600 hrs following increase in the COVID-19 positive cases in the Jammu and Kashmir.
The administration closed schools till April 18 after students and teachers tested positive for the virus in the UT.
However, the closing of schools and imposing night curfew, when there is no night life in the valley, came under severe criticism from common people, social and religious organizations who questioned how thousands of people were allowed to assemble in Badamwari, Tulip garden and other tourist places.
Meanwhile, almost all religious organizations have appealed to government to lift curfew during Taraweeh (night) and Fajr (morning) prayers. Taraweeh prayers will be over after 2200 hrs while the Fajr prayers will be held before 0530 hrs, they said adding how is it possible to hold prayers before proper Nimaz prayers.
However, they said proper Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) , including wearing masks and keeping social distancing will be followed in letter and spirit.
