FRIDAY: No congregational prayers in Valley mosques
As all mosques and shrines in Kashmir remain closed for congregational prayers in the wake of Covid-19 spread, a devotee offers Namaz on the banks of Dal Lake on Friday. Photo-Javed Khan/Kashmir Images
Srinagar: All mosques and shrines remained closed for congregational Friday prayers for 7th consecutive week in Kashmir amidst restrictions imposed in the wake of nationwide lockdown to contain the spread of deadly Corona-Virus or COVID-19.
People across Kashmir offered Friday prayers inside their homes in compliance with the orders issued by the administration asking people to avoid gatherings in mosques and shrines till the threat of Coronavirus subsides.
Central Jamia Masjid situated at Nowhatta area in old city and Dargah Hazratbal, which also houses the holy relic of prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and remains abuzz with worshippers during the holy month of Ramazan, continue to remain closed for congregational gatherings even as similar practice of social distancing is adopted in other religious places of the valley.
It may be in place to mention that many Islamic scholars and clerics have also cautioned people against offering regular prayers in mosques and have suggested to pray at their respective homes.
A total of nine people eight from Kashmir and one from Jammu province have so far died of the deadly disease in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir and as many as 823 persons have contracted infection.
Reports reaching from southern and northern districts of Kashmir suggested that congregational Friday prayers were not offered in mosques.
Meanwhile most of the roads in Srinagar and elsewhere in Kashmir were sealed with concertina wires and iron barricades o curtail peoples movement. Roads leading to historic Jamia Masjid and Dargah Hazratbal were sealed and police and paramilitary forces deployed in strength to thwart any attempt of religious gathering.
Markets as usual were shut and public transport continues to remain off the roads as restrictions on the movement and gathering of people continues to remain in forces on 5th day of the 3rd phase of nationwide lockdown.
Only those associated with medical emergency service and media were allowed to move on roads that too after verification and cross verification of PVR movement pass with their identity cards.
