Srinagar, August 18 (KNS): Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party (JKAP) leader and former minister Mohammad Ashraf Mir on Tuesday urged the administration to ensure necessary arrangements for the smooth celebration of the upcoming Muharram-ul-Haram.
In a statement issued to KNS, Mir said the administration should make preparations and ensure all basic amenities in and around Imambaras located across Jammu and Kashmir. “JKAP calls upon the Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to take first hand appraisal of arrangements put in place by the administration for the smooth observance of this holy month,” he demanded.
Emphasizing on the special arrangements that need to be made given the present circumstances emerged due to COVID-19 outbreak; Mir said that besides providing an uninterrupted water and power supply during the auspicious days, the government must ensure fumigation of all Imambaras and provide free of cost face masks and hand sanitizers to the devotees.
“The government should take all precautions and ensure strict implementation of social and health protocols under COVID-19 guidelines through the religious heads at Imambaras so as to stem the spread of deadly Coronavirus. All the departments must work in tandem so that Muharram Mourners may not face any kind of inconvenience,” he added.
He said that PDD authorities should ensure High Mast lights/ Halogen Bulbs and LEDs are in place at all important places and besides ensuring generator sets are installed at identified locations and street lights are fully functional.
Similarly, Mir said the PHE authorities should ensure that water tanks are provided at identified locations besides ensuring uninterrupted water supply. The government should also ensure that the dilapidated roads if any from where the procession would take place are repaired at the earliest. Mir demanded that the Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution Department should ensure adequate supply and prompt distribution of ration, and LPG.
“The SMC authorities should ensure that there shall be no laxity with regard to sanitation and cleanliness during the prescribed period. The Fire and Emergency department should remain prepared to deal with any eventuality. The government should ensure adequate and hassle free transport facilities till the conclusion of the processions,” he added.
The JKAP leader also appealed to the people, especially Muharram Mourners to follow all SOPs and guidelines to avoid getting infected with deadly Coronavirus.