J&K Muslim Wakaf Board and Dharmarth Trust decides to close temples, shrines, mosques to cooperate Government combating COVID-19
21 Mar 2020 15:47:32
In the wake of prevailing situation of Corona outbreak and control the spread of Coronavirus in the valley, religious bodies of Jammu and Kashmir have decided to announce the suspension of regular prayer meets in shrines, temples and mosques till 31st Mar 2020.
Announcing the decision with issuance of an order, J&K Muslim Wakaf Board has suspended all regular prayers in shrines and mosques affiliated with the Wakaf Board as well as displaying of Holy Relic on the occasion of Mehraj-ul-Alam Celebrations. The board District Magistrate has urged the district magistrates of Anantnag, Pulwama, Shopian, Budgam, Srinagar, Ganderbal, Bandipora, Baramulla and Kupwara to provide necessary Police assistance to Controllers and Administrators of the Shrines and mosques affiliated with the Wakaf Board to strictly implement the provisions of Section 144 in and around the mosque and shrine.
On the other hand, Dharmarth Trust too has closed all temples, shrines across J&K to combat COVID-19 in view of global outbreak of coronavirus. However, regular religious practices and rituals of prayers shall continue and be performed by Pujaris of the temples and shrines. The statement has been issued by the President of Dharmarth Trust saying that proactive steps have been taken to ensure implementation of preventive measures from the effect of the viral outbreak. Shankaracharya Temple has been closed while entry to other temples has also been restricted due to imposition of Section 144. Raghunath temple and Ranbireshwar temple have also been closed amongst several others across Jammu region.
With an intent to cooperate and coordinate with the Government and comply with its orders, the aforesaid bodies wasted no time in following them and making the announcements. The Government however has already issued orders appealing everyone including devotees, employees and the public in general to maintain social distancing and observe hygiene practices for ensuring everyone’s health and safety. To combat coronavirus outbreak, all parks and other public places are already closed as per advisories being issued by the government authorities.