Baramulla, Sep 30 (UNI) Urging people to follow Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) and other COVID-19 protocol, District Magistrate (DM), Baramulla Dr G N Ittoo on Wednesday said shrines and other religious places would reopen in this north Kashmir district in a phased manner.

All religious places were closed in March this year due to COVID-19 pandemic in the Kashmir valley, including Baramulla.

Addressing a press conference here today, Dr Ittoo said all religious places will be reopened in the district in a phased manner. However, people are requested to follow the guidelines and SOPs while paying obeisance at shrines, he said adding this was necessary to prevent further spread of deadly coronavirus.

In reply to a question DM said shrines will remain closed during the night. Nobody will be allowed to stay in any shrine during the night, he said adding night prayers would be allowed when there is more improvement in the COVID situation. Further, he said no cooking or selling of eatables will be allowed in religious places.

Dr Ittoo said heads of all religious organisations have already been approached and requested to spread awareness about adopting SOPs and other guidelines to further prevent spread of coronavirus.

Replying to a question that people are not following SOPs, DM said this was very unfortunate people are not serious about this deadly virus which has claimed thousands of live in the country.

However, he warned that strict action would be taken against the violators.



UNI BAS SB 1347