Former Union minister and a Member of Legislative council in Karnataka from the Congress party, CM Ibrahim has written to Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa seeking permission for the Muslim community to offer prayers on the occasion of Id-ul-Fitr.
The Id-ul-Fitr is approaching this month and happens to be a festive occasion for the Muslim Community. The Congress leader has sought permission from the Chief Minister to allow people to offer namaz at the Idgah grounds and even in other mosques. The letter states that,
“The Id-ul-Fitr festival in the state may be celebrated on the 24th or 25th of May 2020, during which Muslims have to offer special prayers. On behalf of the entire community, I would suggest that the government may take a decision by having due consultation with medical experts to grant permission for Muslims on the day of Id to offer prayers in the Idgah maidans or masjids from morning till 1 pm with all precautionary measures and safety norms.”
Take a decision after consulting experts, requests CM Ibrahim
As a part of COVID-19 guidelines, the Ministry of Home Affairs has directed the state governments to prevent any sort of social, religious, and political gatherings. However, Congress leader CM Ibrahim asks the Chief Minister to consult the experts regarding the situation. He further writes,
“In this regard, I request you to kindly look into the matter and after consulting the medical experts, take a suitable decision enabling Muslims all over the state to offer Id prayers at Idgah Maidans or Masjids in their respective localities.”
Even though the government has provided relaxations in green, orange, and red zones, religious and social gatherings still stand illegal. However, the government is likely to come up with fresh guidelines before the 17th of May when the third phase of the lockdown ends. There have been speculations about the fourth phase of the lockdown but it is unlikely that the government would give a go-ahead for religious gathering. Especially after the Tablighi Markaz.
The state of Karnataka has reported 959 cases of COVID-19 so far since its first case on the 8th of March. Out of those only 474 are active as 451 have successfully recovered and 33 unfortunate deaths.
Source: The Times of India
