Former mayor expresses concern over lockdown relaxation

K Ashraf has written to Yediyurappa, Siddaramaiah and the DC of DK. He feels if shops can be opened then Namaz should also be allowed in Mosques. 

Mangaluru: Former Mayor K Ashraf has warned the government that its decision to open shops from 7 am to 7 pm could pose a challenge in controlling COVID-19.

Ashraf, who is the president of Dakshina Kannada Zilla Muslim Okkuta has mailed a letter to Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa, Leader of Opposition Siddaramaiah and Deputy Commissioner of Dakshina Kannada Sindhu B Rupesh.

“In Karnataka COVID-19 is being controlled very effectively. It is a matter of pride for us to be praised by countries like Germany. It is shocking that while deciding to ease lockdown, the central government has allowed shops to be open from 7 am to 7 pm. But this decision could lead to a problem when the number of COVID-19 patients is increasing,” Ashraf said in the letter.

“COVID-19 is yet not completely under control in Dakshina Kannada. The Eid festival is just a few days away. If all the shops are allowed to be open there would be a crowd in every place making it difficult to control COVID-19. Therefore, it is better to maintain the status quo until the end of the month of Ramadan,” he said.

“If shops are allowed to open then we would request you to allow Namaz at all the Mosques with social distancing during the holy Ramadan,” he demanded.