CHENNAI: The state government on Tuesday reached out to religious leaders, seeking their cooperation to bring down the surge in Covid-19 cases. The government banned religious congregations and temple festivals from April10 and announced total lockdown on Sundays.
The leaders of various congregations had a separate meeting with chief secretary and officials, after being invited by the administration for their views on the Covid guidelines in places of worship. “We wind up the evening prayer by 9.30pm to abide by the night curfew orders.. The government should not impose further restrictions beside the Sunday total lockdown,” Tamil Nadu Jammathul Ulama Sabai state secretary Anwar Badhusha Ulavi said.TN chief khazi Salavudeen
Mohammed Ayub also took part in the meeting convened by chief secretary Rajeev Ranjan at the Secretariat.
The administration explained the worsening scenario in the wake of second wave of the Covid pandemic and the state’s efforts to check the soaring numbers.
All India Muslim Personal Law Board member AS Fathima Muzaffar requested that no further restrictions be imposed in the timing of prayers in the month of Ramadan. “For us, the 27th day of Ramadan is very special. Even on that night, alternative arrangements being made to cooperate with the government. But our request is don’t stop the prayers. We are ready to cooperate if further restrictions are imposed. Safety and security are foremost,” Muzaffar said. The community thanked the government for relaxing the timing of prayer from 8pm to 10pm.
The Tamil Nadu Bishops Council has advised the dioceses to have Sunday mass on Saturday evening following SoPs. The members have been asked to watch the live mass telecast through TV/social media wherever possible. The Church of Episcopal International Bishop B R Asirvatham requested the government to allow the Sunday mass to continue at least for an hour.
Hindu religious leaders suggested rituals inside temples continue with Covid protocols.