Everyone should work to fight COVID-19: Islamic Centre VP

Tribune News Service
New Delhi, April 5

Suggesting it is time for every member of the society to exhibit total discipline and refrain from activities that can damage the collective effort to fight COVID-9, a senior official of India Islamic Cultural Centre urged religious leaders to appeal to people to not visit places of worship during the lockdown.

“The current situation is unprecedented. Tough times call for tough measures and this is exactly what our Prime Minister has done by ensuring a complete lockdown which was imperative to tackle this pandemic. I call upon all the stakeholders to show complete discipline and refrain from activities which can cause damage to our dedicated efforts,” Vice President of the Centre, S M Khan, said in a statement on Sunday.

Khan, who served as the Press Secretary to President APJ Abdul Kalam said the present time has shown that each individual has the inherent power to fight the common enemy together.

The statement assumes significance post the Tablighi congregation that is said to have resulted in a spike in Coronavirus cases in the country.

“Natural disasters such as these do not discriminate between people in terms of religion, caste, creed, region etc. This phase should be a learning experience for all of us, how we can support each other for humanitarian causes. We all face this situation together and are fighting as ONE to overcome this problem at hand!” Khan said.

Khan said he hoped people will maintain camaraderie as in normal times so that everyone is able to fulfil the ‘Idea of India’—which is an inclusive society based on secularism, socialism, the dignity of human beings, unity and integrity of the nation.

Making a special mention of all the essential service providers in ensuring continuity and business as usual so that people do not feel any difference during the lockdown, he said everyone should salute medical professionals who are taking care of those affected, police, administrative personnel and media for doing a remarkable job.