Hailakandi police administration appeals to Muslims to pray at home during Ramzan

April 23: The Hailakandi police administration has appealed to Muslims to strictly follow social distancing and lockdown guidelines during the holy month of Ramzan starting either on Friday or Saturday in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic. Superintendent of Police, Pabindra Nath urged the Muslims to offer tarawih prayers and other religious rituals like the “iftar (breaking of fast) staying inside their homes during the month of Ramzan, which will begin either on Friday or Saturday depending upon the sighting of the crescent moon.

Nath appealed to the various religious leaders, representatives of social and religious organisations to ensure that the people do not gather at religious and other places under any circumstances during Ramzan. The Superintendent of Police said in the wake of proactive and positive efforts of local religious leaders and representatives of religious-social organisations, Muslims in the district observed Shab-e-Barat on April 9 by offering prayers and performing all other religious rituals staying indoors.

Nath said due to coronavirus pandemic, guidelines of lockdown and social distancing have to be followed religiously to break the chain of the dreaded virus that has caused ripples globally. “There is a need to make people aware during the unprecedented times so that they perform all the religious rituals inside their homes,” he said. “Any callousness on our part can be very harmful for our near and dear ones, the society and the country as a whole. We should strictly adhere to the guidelines of the government and administration to fight tooth and nail against coronavirus,” he asserted.

The district administration has assured the Muslim community that fruits and other items such as dates required for Ramzan would be made available during the lockdown. Chief Adviser, North East Ahle Sunnat Wal Jammat, Moulana Sarimul Haque Laskar also appealed to the Muslims to pray and observe rituals like iftar (breaking of fast) at home due to novel coronavirus outbreak.

All the religious activities at temples, mosques, gurdwaras, churches and other religious places in the country have been cancelled in view of the COVID-19 pandemic. Assam Chief Minister, Sarbananda Sonowal has also appealed to the Muslim community to observe the month-long fasting and rituals associated with Ramzan from the confines of their home in view of COVID-19 situation. The Chief Minister extended greetings to the Muslims on the auspicious occasion of holy Ramzan.