J&K Waqf Board to fine Covid norms violators in mosques
Lt guv Sinha directs DCs, SPs to help people observe prayers during curfew timings
As the holy month of Ramadan starts this week, the Jammu and Kashmir Waqf Board has been directed to impose a fine against those violating the Covid-19 standard operating procedure (SOPs) in mosques, official documents stated. The month of Ramadan holds great significance among the Muslim community.
“Waqf will ensure that all Covid-19 SOPs are followed in masjids controlled by the Waqf board. The Red Cross secretary will issue receipt books to the Waqf Board for the imposition of a fine to those who violate norms in masjids,” read the minutes of the meeting.
Ramadan will be observed in Jammu and Kashmir from Wednesday. The decision came during a meeting chaired by Kashmir divisional commissioner K Pole last week to finalise arrangements for Ramadan and also regarding the celebration of Navratra.
The government has also instructed the board to ensure the availability of masks for those coming to mosques for prayers. The Waqf has been directed to deploy medical officers concerned for the implementation of Covid protocols.
The J&K health department has also been asked to impart necessary instructions to people during the month of Ramadan while adhering to Covid-19 safety norms.
Deputy commissioners and health officials in the Union Territory have been holding meetings with clerics seeking help from them to proper adherence of SOPs during Ramadan as well as vaccination drives.
J& K lieutenant governer Manoj Sinha has directed deputy commissioners and superintendents of police to help people observe prayers for Ramzan amid curfew. “Have directed DCs/SPs to facilitate observance of prayers/religious functions during the holy month of Ramzan during curfew timings, wherever necessary (sic),” the Sinha wrote on Twitter.
J&K records 991 cases; no deaths after 2 weeks
Jammu and Kashmir recorded 991 novel coronavirus infections on Monday, taking the Union Territory’s case tally to 1, 39,381. However, for the first time in two weeks there was no Covid-related death in the UT and the overall death toll stood at 2,034.
So far, 40 people have lost their lives to the disease this month.For the past six days, the UT has been recording around 800 cases, the highest daily count in six months. The UT had recorded this year’s highest case count on Saturday with 1,005 cases. Of the new cases, 492 were from Kashmir division while 499 were from Jammu. J&K had recorded all-time high of 1,698 daily cases on September 12, 2020. The number of active cases, which has been rising steadily since March, reached 7,908, officials said.
Mehbooba’s daughter tests positive for Covid
Peoples’ Democratic Party president Mehbooba Mufti’s daughter Iltija Mufti has tested positive for the coronavirus disease.
Iltija, 33, who was very vocal during her mother’s detention after the revocation of the special status of Jammu and Kashmir, has become the fifth public person in Kashmir to have contracted the infection in the last two weeks.
“Want to confirm media reports that my younger daughter Iltija has tested positive for Covid. As advised by doctors she is now self isolating and taking all necessary precautions,” Mehbooba said on Twitter.