Coronavirus: Srinagar mayor calls for cancellation of Khelo India winter games

Amid coronavirus scare, Srinagar Mayor Junaid Mattu has called for cancellation of Khelo India's first winter games chapter, which starts in Jammu and Kashmir's Gulmarg town on Saturday. Union Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju has reached Kashmir to inaugurate event, which would continue till Wednesday. Around 800-900 sportspersons will be taking part in different events at ski-resort in rth Kashmir's Baramulla district.

"In view of #COVID2019 situation, I personally believe 'Khelo India' sports event in Gulmarg should be cancelled," Mattu tweeted on Friday evening. "I have conveyed this to ministration as well as Lieutenant Goverr of J&K, Sh. G. C. Murmu. Precautions are vital."

PDP president Mehbooba Mufti's daughter, Iltija Mufti, has also criticised ministration for allowing sports event.

"At a time when Corovirus (sic) has caused a global health crisis & EU - India summit deferred, J&K min is organising a massive sports event in Gulmarg. Why should Kashmiris bear a staggering cost for showcasing 'rmalcy'?" Iltija, who uses her mor's verified Twitter handle, said.

A number of events related to Holi and Women's Day celebrations were cancelled while UGC asked universities to avoid large garings as precautionary measures against coronavirus, as a man from Delhi tested positive on Friday, 31st such case in country. mayor also said that weekly flea market, locally called as 'Sunday Market', should also t be allowed this weekend.

"I'm also of FIRM opinion that we should t allow Sunday Flea Market in Srinagar this weekend (for nature of wear, source countries where bulk merchandise is imported from AND number of people who visit market). Have conveyed this as well," Mattu posed on Twitter.

He said common sense dictates that all congregations, including religious ones, should be avoided. "If KSA (kingdom of Saudi Arabia) could stop Umrah visas and shut Holy Kaaba for deep-cleaning/sterilization - how is disallowing Friday prayers controversial?" Mattu asked.