Delhi’s Jama Masjid May be Closed Again
The Shahi Imam of Delhi’s Jama Masjid said that the Jama Masjid may have to be closed again amidst the deteriorating situation in Delhi. On 8th June, after more than 2 months, Jama Masjid was opened again for the common citizen.
On Tuesday, 9th of June, Jama Masjid’s Shahi Imam’s Secretary Amanatullah passed away in Safdarjung Hospital due to Coronavirus. Since then there have been reports about shutting down the mosque once again. Jama Masjid’s Shahi Iman has sought suggestions (from the public to take a decision whether to keep the mosque open. The Shahi Imam also requested the smaller mosques around Delhi to ask people visiting the mosque for prayers to stay home and offer Namaz at home itself.
Situation in Delhi has deteriorated since Unlock 1.0. At present a total of 903 people has lost their lives and over 31,000 people have been reported to be Corona positive in Delhi. Recently Delhi Deputy CM Manish Sisodia said that Delhi may have over 5.5 lakhs Coronavirus cases by the end of July. His statement came after Governor of Delhi allowed the patients from other states to be treated in Delhi hospital. Sisodia said that by end of July Delhi will need around 80,000 hospital beds. At present Delhi has just over 50,000 beds.
Health Minister Satyendra Jain said that there may be community transmission in Delhi as the source of about 50% of the cases was untraceable. This statement by the Delhi health minister was enough to send a warning signal not just to the citizens of Delhi but to every single person of the country.
India has been struggling to stop the spread of Coronavirus. With cases rising everyday there is a fear of community transmission. Since June 8, the religious places in many parts of the country including Delhi have opened for the common citizens. Thespeed with which virus is spreading, every state may have to reconsider their decision.