Coronavirus impact: No Muharram congregations in Kargil this time

authorities in Lakh’s Kargil on Monday said Muharram congregations and processions will be allowed in view of prevailing COVID-19 situation.

District Development Commissioner Baseer-ul-Haq Choudhary, however, said Imam Baras will remain open and observance will be restricted to a single person who will recite 'ha, Marsia and sermon' which will be relayed for or people through loudspeakers.

Muharram, which is likely to fall on Thursday, is first month of Islamic lunar calendar and is considered sacred by Muslims who observe month with abstinence and prayers to mourn martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain in battle of Karbala in 7th century.

Choudhary said ministration is in process of constituting committees comprising councillors, religious hes, sarpanchs, nambardars and or required members who will fix a particular time slot for Muharram observance.

y will ensure that all rms are followed in letter and spirit and re is scope of any violations.

He appealed to all religious, political and social organisations to continue to support ministration in containing spre of pandemic, reby, ensuring safety of people in district.

Choudhary said number of active COVID-19 cases in district has gone up to 228 w, including 28 labourers from outside district.

He said Tai Suru, Drass and Sankoo are among areas where maximu cases have been reported.

Keeping in view present situation, eight areas have been tified as containment zones, he said.

He said samples will be collected on mass level in upcoming days.

He said so far eight deaths have been reported in district.

officer also appealed to people to abstain from unnecessary movements.

He said marri functions will be restricted to a simple and sober ceremony where only two persons each from bride and bridegroom's side will be allowed.

"At maximum, only closest family members, including parents and siblings, will be allowed while function should be restricted to two to three hours only," he said, ding that "any violation in this regard will be strictly dealt with”. 

Im credits: PTI / Representative im