The Deputy Commissioner (DC) Bandipora, Dr. Owais Ahmad today held an interactive meeting with prominent religious leaders, Imams and Khateebs of the district ahead of the Eid Festival.The interaction was held in view of the upcoming Eid Festival and the DC sought the cooperation of religious leaders in ensuring covid appropriate behavior during the festival times by ensuring social distancing is maintained and no large gatherings take place anywhere in the district.Dr Owais said that the religious leaders, Imams, Khateebs and Management Committees of local Masjids have a key role during the fresh wave of Covid-19 and appealed to them to use their influence for ensuring that every person follows Covid appropriate behavior in and outside the mosques.He also impressed upon them to sensitize people to get vaccinated at an earliest adding that the vaccine is safe and efficacious against Covid-19 infection.
During the interaction it was unanimously decided that no congregational prayers shall be held in Eidgahs and instead Eid Prayers shall be held at local mosques amid strict covid-19 guidelines and social distancing.The Imams, Khateebs and other Religious leaders assured full support to the administration in this regard. They pledged to follow in letter and spirit the decisions and directions of administration that are being issued for tackling the rate of infections. Dr Owais emphasized that the war against the pandemic will be won only by collective efforts and everyone needs to be responsible at this critical juncture.He urged the people to ensure social distancing and use of face masks. He said the people especially senior citizens with comorbidities should avoid visiting masjids for their own well-being.ASP, Ashaq A. Tak, Tehsildars and other senior officers were also present during the interaction.