NASHIK :
Amid current relaxations in Coronavirus lockdown, the city police together with the Muslim clerics are living no stone unturned for peaceful Ramadan month by appealing to follow social distancing norms at mosques in the city. All religious places, temples have been closed in the city and entry of people has also been restricted citing outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
As the holy month of Ramadan has started from April 25, and relaxations are now in place, prayers at mosques have been allowed but with certain restrictions on the number of people. The police have tightened security and together with the clerics are appealing Muslim brethren to not make crowding at mosques and adhere to social distancing guidelines.
The police have beefed up security around religious places. The government at the same time has not given permission for any religious activity. While at present four persons at a time have been allowed for prayers in mosques and crowing at religious places like Darga Sharif Kabrastan has been prohibited with certain exemptions.
There are more than 40 mosques in the Muslim-majority area of Old Nashik. Five-times-a-day prayers in addition to special Ramadan prayer are being offered daily by not more than 4 persons at a time.
The second phase of Ramadan has started from today and just 20 days are left for Eid. “For the rest of the days also, Muslim brothers should perform religious rites at home and not in public places, appealed various maulanas including Mufti e Maharashtra Mujib Ashraf and the Khatib e Nashik.
Sajan Sonawane, senior police inspector of Bhadrakali police station; Vijay Dhamal, senior police inspector of Mumbai Naka police station; senior cop Mainkar of Indiranagar are constantly on patrol.
Meanwhile, since the enforcement of the lockdown, Mumbai Naka police along with deputy commissioner of police Amol Tambe, assistant commissioner of police Pradeep Jadhav and senior PI of Mumbai Naka police station Vijay Dhamal is creating awareness in the Muslim-dominated areas of Nagji Chowk, Pakhal Road, Osmania Chowk as well as mosques and surrounding areas, about the rules of the lockdown, social distancing, seeking their cooperation to the frontline COVID-19 warriors including doctors, nurses, health workers, paramedics, police personnel, and preventive measures to be taken to contain the spread of the novel Coronavirus.
Imams of Ayesha mosque and Faizan Oliya mosque have been appealing Muslim brothers not to venture out during Nakabandi and curfew and adhere to the rules of the lockdown.
According to a top official, stringent security arrangements have been made for all Muslim-majority areas with police to ensure the peaceful Ramadan amid lockdown.
“All social distancing norms must be followed by our Muslim brethren. No crowds shall be permitted at any mosques, buildings or even terraces. Suitable action will be taken, if any violations are found,” officials said.
Meanwhile, the authorities have assured that the police and district administration, along with social groups and NGOs will make full arrangements to ensure uninterrupted supply of essential in all Muslim localities including those which are sealed in containment zones.
