हिंदी
Meeting resolves observance of Muharram amidst strict COVID-19 SOPs
KARGIL AUGUST 19, 2020: In order to discuss the various arrangements being put in place by the Administration in connection with observance of the ensuing Muharram-ul- Haram in the district, Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor, LAHDC, Kargil Feroz Ahmad Khan in presence of the Deputy Commissioner/District Magistrate and CEO, LAHDC, Kargil Baseer ul Haq Choudhary convened a meeting of the religious heads and district officers at Tourist Facilitation Center (TFC), Kargil here today.
SSP Kargil Dr Vinod Kumar, ASP Kargil Iftikhar Talib Choudhary, representatives of Anjuman e Jamiat ul Ulema Isna Ashariya Kargil (AJUIAK) and Imam Khomeini Memorial Trust (IKMT) besides the officers of Health, PDD, PHE, Mechanical, Municipal Committee, FCS&CA and other concerned officers were present in the meeting.
Threadbare discussion was held about the necessary measures and required arrangements in connection with the holding of mourning congregations and processions during Muharram amidst strict observance of SOPs and other norms in view of the present COVID-19 pandemic situation.
It was decided in the meeting that special arrangements shall be made this year in view of the emerging situation due to COVID-19 pandemic.
It was decided in the meeting that AJUIAK and IKMT Kargil in consultation with the District Administration will frame SOPs for observance of Muhrram in the district.
The CEC made it clear during the meeting that there is no any sort of restriction from the Administration for observance of Muhrram in the district.
However, considering the current situation of COVID-19 pandemic, the observance of Muharram will be inevitably different from previous years as is the case in all parts of the world and people must understand it, the CEC said.
The CEC said that Muhrram congregations and processions will be held at both AJUIAK and IKMT Kargil with limited number of mourners amidst strict observance of all SOPs including proper social distancing, usage of masks and sanitizers, sanitization of the religious place after the congregations are over and other necessary measures. He said that considering the COVID-19 pandemic scare, persons below 10 years and above 60 years will not be permitted in the congregations.
The mourning congregations will be of limited time slot, at the maximum one and a half hours and the number of mourners will be between 50 and 100, SOPs for the first 8 days will be issued shortly while as separate SOPs will be issued for 9th and 10th Muharram congregations and processions for which yet another meeting will be convened, the CEC said.
Regarding the number of Muhrram processions to be taken out, the CEC said that unlike previous years, this year only 1 procession each from AJUIAK and IKMT Kargil will be taken out and the number of mourners therein will be decided in due course of time.
As regards to the holding of mourning congregations in the Imam Baras in different hamlets and villages, the CEC said that the concerned religious heads, Sarpanchs and Mohalla committees will frame SOPs under the guidance of the Administration so that the congregations are held without compromising the COVID-19 preventive SOPs and norms.
CEC Khan said that the matter with regard to de-containment of containment zones is being considered by the DDMA Kargil, however he stressed the usage of masks strictly in markets and Muharram congregations for which appeal has also been made to the religious organizations.
Those not wearing masks and not following the SOPs will be strictly dealt with under law, said the CEC.
The CEC sought active support and cooperation of all religious organizations, media persons and all other stakeholders to ensure safe, smooth and hassle free observance of Muharram in the district while following the SOPs in letter and spirit to as to contain the spread of COVID-19 pandemic in the district.
The representatives of religious organizations assured the CEC and DC of all out support and cooperation from their side in ensuring the observance of Muharram in the district while also ensuring the safety of the people by following the COVID-19 SOPs in letter and spirit.
Meanwhile, the CEC and DC stressed on the officers concerned to make arrangements with regard to uninterrupted power and water supply, medicare facilities, sanitation and other related arrangements.
It was decided that the Administration will nominate a Nodal Officer to coordinate with the religious organizations and different departments to ensure that all necessary arrangements for smooth conduct of Muharram congregations are put in a proper manner.
