Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SP)

Udupi, May 5: Udupi District Muslim Union handed over a petition to the deputy commissioner of the district on Monday May 4, urging him not to allow opening of commercial shops and other establishments till May 25. It said that if commercial activities are allowed after May 17, when the third term of lockdown ends, people are likely to take to streets on a large scale in the guise of shopping on account of Ramzan last week and Eid. Therefore it has urged the deputy commissioner not to permit shops other than those dealing in essentials to open till May 25, as Ramzan month and Eid will come to an end by then.

The union leaders said that shopping and commercial activities associated normally with the month of Ramzan are not happening now. They said that religious scholars and other leaders of the community are of the opinion that ideally, the people should observe Ramzan through alms and donations at this adverse period of time.

"Udupi is in green zone. If commercial activities are allowed by relaxing lockdown norms after May 17, large number of people will come to streets. Social distancing which was carefully maintained all these days through sacrifices will be lost and infection is likely to spread on a large scale. The efforts made by the district administration to regulate the disease may face reverses in such a case. Even rumours may be floated and peace in the society might be harmed then," the union explained.

District president of the union H M Yaseen Malpe, general secretary Muhammed Maula, and spokesman Salauddin Abdullah were present.