Port Blair, July 16: Taking up the issue of opening of religious institutions across the Islands for devotees, a delegation led by Shri Kuldeep Rai Sharma, the Member of Parliament, Andaman and Nicobar Islands along with Shri Abdul Siddique, General Secretary, Andaman Moplah Service Organization (AMSO) and Shri Abdul Islam, Member, Jama Masjid Management Committee, Port Blair met Shri Jitendra Narain, Chief Secretary, Andaman and Nicobar Administration on 16th July, 2021 in his chamber at Secretariat, Port Blair.
The Member of Parliament put forth the issue of opening of religious institutions and requested the Administration to consider their opening for mass congregation by devotees for offering prayers.
He informed that a large section of the Islanders are eagerly waiting for the religious institutions to open so that they can continue with their religious cultures and practices.
He also highlighted that Andaman and Nicobar Islands is unique for its concept of Mini India, wherein people across all religions, dialects live peacefully carrying out their respective traditions and cultures. He highlighted that due to months long COVID restrictions, the devotees and believers are unable to take up mass congregational prayers and programmes.
The Chief Secretary, A&N Administration held patient hearing to the proposal and immediately directed the Deputy Commissioner, South Andaman, Shri Suneel Anchipaka to take up the issues in consideration of the demands placed.
The delegation then met the Deputy Commissioner, South Andaman, wherein detailed discussions were outlined on the modalities of easing further phased-wise restrictions. Discussion were immediately taken up with Secretary (Health) and other senior officers of the Administration.
It was informed that in view of the COVID Delta variant on the rise in many parts of mainland India, a complete relaxation in the Islands shall not be appropriate at this juncture and that the Administration is closely monitoring the situation for easing out COVID restrictions.
However, a decision has been taken to open all the Mosques across the Islands on the day of Eid-ul-Adha on 21st July, 2021 for offering Eid Prayers strictly abiding to COVID appropriate behaviors viz. mandatory wearing of mask, social distancing etc.
The delegation offered gratitude to the Andaman and Nicobar Administration and exhorted that all support shall be provided in the fight against COVID, a communication from Mr. Abdul Siddique, General Secretary, Andaman Moplah Service Organization (AMSO) said.
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