Panaji, Oct 22 (IANS): Processions in Goa on the occasion of Milad-un-Nabi have been banned by the Association of All Goa Muslim Jamats on account of the Covid-19 pandemic, an official statement issued on Wednesday said.

The Jamat president Shaikh Bashir Ahmed has also said that while mosques in Goa had been opened for the regular five times a day namaz for residents living in the close proximity of the mosques, social distancing norms, use of face masks and regular use of hand sanitisers should continue.

Milad-un-Nabi will be observed in the country on October 30.

"The president along with the executive members of our association has decided not to have any 'julus' or procession on October 30 to celebrate Milad-ul-Nabi in Goa. This advisory has been issued to all the masjid committees, jamaats and organisers of processions in the state," the statement said.

"This decision has been taken keeping in mind the safety of our community members and the society at large. We urge all to continue to be cautious in their day-to-day life by strictly implementing social distancing, compulsory use of face masks and use of hand sanitisers as the fear of the virus is still around us, and hence we can't be complacent," it added.