Meghalaya government postpones reopening places of worship

A CORRESPONDENT

SHILLONG: Places of worship in Meghalaya will not reopen on June 14 as decided last week, the State government informed on Tuesday.

This decision was taken, after a meeting convened by the State government and leaders of various religious groups and Church denominations.

Deputy Chief Minister, Prestone Tynsong informed that the decision to postpone the reopening of places of worship in the State was taken considering the rise in COVID-19 cases in the State.

It may be mentioned that in the last few days there has been a steady increase in the number of COVID-19 positive cases after the stranded residents returned back to the state.

"All the religious leaders accepted the standard operating procedures (SOPs) and were also ready to implement but with the rise in cases and after thorough discussion they asked the government not to reopen," the Deputy Chief Minister informed.

Tynsong said that the religious leaders after the initial decision made on June 5 had taken feedback and after consultations with their followers/believers today asked the government not to reopen places of worship.

When asked if the decision taken on June 5 to reopen places of worship on June 14 was taken hastily, Tynsong said that the religious leaders themselves had proposed the reopening.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister, Conrad Sangma tweeted, "Based on the consultation with different religious organizations this afternoon, the government has decided to put on hold the reopening of religious institutions in Meghalaya that was previously decided for the 14th of June, 2020." 

Also Watch: An exclusive with Ipsita Bharali only on the Sentinel Assam