Eid congregational prayers not allowed in Kashmir amid Covid

Srinagar, July 18

No congregational prayers would be allowed in Kashmir on Eid al-Adha because of the Covid protocol that limits the gathering to 25, officials announced on Sunday. Eid prayers will be allowed in a decentralised manner like it was during the peak of Covid’s second wave.

PK Pole, Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, said no congregational prayers would be allowed amid threat of the third Covid wave. He said it would be difficult to limit the number to 25 if congregational prayers were allowed.

Pole appealed to the people to follow the norms and medical experts’ instructions on the occasion of Eid. Considering the damage caused by the third wave in other countries, everyone should follow the guidelines strictly on the occasion of Eid, he added. — IANS

Nine shops sealed in Reasi

Jammu: Authorities sealed nine shops in Reasi district on Sunday for alleged violation of Covid guidelines.

On the directions of Deputy Commissioner Charandeep Singh, a team conducted a surprise inspection in the vicinity of Reasi to take stock of implementation of weekend Covid lockdown measures in the district when it found nine shops violating the SoPs.

The shops were sealed and fines were imposed on their owners. The Deputy Commissioner said such surprise visits would continue. — PTI