The Srinagar administration on Tuesday imposed ban on holding any religious congregation in the district on the occasion of Shab-e-Baraat (night of blessings) in the wake of pandemic outbreak-Covid-19.

Shab-e-Baraat is observed across the sub-continent with religious fervor on the night of 14th of Islamic Calendar month, Shabaan. District magistrate Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary has issued an order prohibiting all sorts of religious congregation and public movement on the occasion of Shab-e-Baratin Srinagar.

The order issued under Section 144 of CrPC states that the decision to prohibit religious gatherings during the occasion has been taken based on recommendations of concerned authorities and reports from the field.

However, Kashmir’s grand Mufti Nasir-ul-Islam said thatpeople of Kashmir must follow the directions and guidelines issued by thehealth department to prevent spread of Covid-19. “However, I urge the Imams andKhateebs of Kashmir to recite Touba-e-Istigfaar (prayers for repentance) soonafter Maghrib prayers (tomorrow) while

as people would assemble in their lawns and participate inthe same and seek Allah’s refuge from the pandemic,” he said, adding that theprotocol especially social distancing should be followed in true spirit.