Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu on Friday urged the Governors and Lt. Governors of States and Union Territories to ensure that no religious congregation takes place during the period of nationwide lockdown.
“No religious congregations should be allowed to take place in your respective states,” he said in an apparent reference to the Tablighi Jamat congregation in Delhi’s Nizamuddin Markaz.
Referring to a ‘recent avoidable action’ which caused widespread adverse impact across the country, Naidu cautioned the Governors and Lt Governors to treat it as a ‘wake-up call’.
He also urged them to motivate spiritual and religious leaders to advice their followers to not hold any congregations and observe social distancing norms to prevent the transmission of COVID-19.
The Tablighi Jamaat which was held at Nizamuddin Markaz has emerged as a new epicenter for the spread of COVID-19 in different parts of India after thousands of people took part in a congregation from March 1 to 15.
As many as 647 COVID- 19 positive cases have been reported from 14 states and UTs across India including Assam which has Tablighi Jaamat connection, said Union Health Ministry on Friday.
“In last two days 647 COVID-19 positive cases have been reported from 14 states and UTs in India,” said Lav Agrawal, joint secretary in the Health Ministry.