State appeals for in-home Ramzan celebrations
CHENNAI: Despite the Islamic community seeking permission to celebrate Ramzan, the State government on Thursday asked Muslims to extend their cooperation in curtailing the pandemic and make it an in-home celebration this year.
“The DMK has always had respect for the community and Muslims should celebrate in their houses by observing all precautionary norms announced by the government,” said KS Masthan, Minister for Minorities Welfare. With Ramzan falling on Friday, there were demands from representatives of Islamic community seeking exemption to offer prayers in Mosques. However, as COVID cases are on the rise and the government having denied permission for religious gatherings, the demand was turned down, especially, at a time when TN was under lockdown in combat mode against coronavirus.
Governor Banwarilal Purohit, Chief Minister MK Stalin, Opposition AIADMK leaders Edappadi K Palaniswami, O Panneerselvam and leaders of various political parties greeted the Muslims on the eve of Ramzan.
In his message, the Governor said, “I convey my heartiest greetings and good wishes to all our Muslim brothers and sisters on the auspicious and joyous occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr.”
“Marking the culmination of the holy month of Ramzan, this festival strengthens our belief in charity, fraternity and compassion. The essence of the festival lies in sharing of love and joy with each other,” he said, according to a Raj Bhavan communique.
“On this joyous occasion, let us re-dedicate ourselves to these eternal values that characterize our civilization,” he added.
“May the noble ideals associated with Eid-ul-Fitr usher in health, peace, prosperity and harmony in our lives,” he said and requested the people to celebrate the festival by following the government guidelines regarding COVID-19 scrupulously. “Stay at home and stay safe,” he noted.
Stalin, Palaniswami, Panneerselvam and leaders of various political parties, including PMK founder Dr S Ramadoss, his son and Rajya Sabha MP Dr Anbumani Ramadoss, TVK leader T Velmurugan and various Muslim outfits leaders also extended their greetings.