Srinagar, August 20:(KNS)  Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party (JKAP) leader and former minister Ghulam Hassan Mir on Thursday urged the government to ensure proper arrangements in view of Muharram-ul-Haram.
 
In a statement issued to KNS,, Mir said the administration should put in place all the requisite arrangements and ensure the mourners are not subjected to any kind of inconvenience across Jammu and Kashmir. “JKAP calls upon the divisional administrations of Jammu and Kashmir divisions to take a holistic review of the preparations in the Shia dominated localities for the smooth observance of this holy month,” he demanded.  
Emphasizing on the special arrangements that need to be made in prevailing situation that emerged due to COVID-19 pandemic; 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 that all street lights are made fully functional besides High Mast lights/ Halogen Bulbs and LEDs are in place at all important places and besides ensuring generator sets are installed at identified locations in entire district Budgam and Srinagar districts.
 
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 JKAP leader also appealed to the people, especially Muharram Mourners to follow all SOPs and guidelines to avoid getting infected with deadly Coronavirus.(KNS)