Srinagar, July 18: The Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Pandurang K Pole on Sunday said that no congregational prayers will be allowed on Eid-ul-Adha in the Kashmir valley in view of the prediction of Covid-19 third wave.Talking with Kashmir News Service, PK Pole said that there will be no congregational prayers on Eid as the limited number of people allowed in any sort of gathering is just 25 and it will difficult to limit the number to 25 if congregational prayers are allowed.He said that the prayers will be allowed in a decentralised way like it has been allowed during the peak of Covid-19 second wave.“As any sort of gathering is limited to 25, which included Eid gatherings or congregational prayers, so these prayer will not be allowed. Limiting the number of people to 25 would be difficult if congregational prayers are allowed in Eid, so the prayers will be allowed in a decentralised way, there will be no congregational prayers,” he said. He also said that that people must follow government SOPs and medical experts’ instructions on the occasion Eid-ul-Adha and avoid Covid-19 threats.Pole said that considering the damage caused by the third wave of Covid-19 in other countries, everyone should follow the guidelines and precautions strictly on the occasion of the upcoming Eid-ul-Adha with regard to COVID-19. He said that the third wave of Covid-19 has become a reality in other countries and in view of the third wave, the government of India has also taken steps against it and people have to follow them. Pole said that the coming days will be very crucial and urged people to continue their fight against the pandemic by strictly following the physical distancing norms and use of mask. (KNS)
