Strict action to be taken if declaration not made by Nizamuddin attendees: Himanta

April 4: This is the last appeal on behalf of the state government to Nizamuddin Markaz attendees from Assam who are still hiding. If by tomorrow, they fail to voluntarily disclose, then strict action will be taken against them by the government. This was stated by State Finance Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma in a press conference convened by him in Guwahati on Saturday.

Himanta said that the number of Markaz attendees from Assam are increasing. “Everyday we are getting new information regarding the number of persons who attended the Islamic religious congregation in Delhi. As of now, we have 812 samples of those in connection with attending Nizamuddin Markaz in Delhi, now regarded as the ‘hot-bed of coronavirus.’ Out of 812 Nizamuddin returned inhabitants of Assam, 636 were tested negative, 24 positive and the results of 152 were awaited.” It needs mention that out of the 25 positive patients of Assam, 24 had attended the Tablighi Jamaat at Nizamuddin Markaz.

“All district and state authorities of the Markaz are requested to give the list of the travellers,” said Sarma. The state government will take action from April 5 onwards against those who do not come forward and inform the authorities. He said that police action will be initiated against all those who are now in hiding.

Hundreds of people have tested positive for coronavirus and a nationwide manhunt is on for suspected cases after a large religious gathering at Delhi’s Nizamuddin that has emerged as a virus hotspot with links to several COVID-19 deaths. “Markaz Nizamuddin”, the Delhi headquarters of the Tablighi Jamaat group. Ignoring all social distancing rules to avoid the deadly coronavirus, hundreds had been staying in the 100-year-old mosque complex, which has a six-floor dormitory, since March 8.