Delhi: Gurdwaras in Vasant Vihar asked to follow DDMA order to not allow visitors

New Delhi, July 13

Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Vasant Vihar here has directed officials of gurdwaras to strictly follow the DDMA order stating “no visitors” to be allowed in religious places.

According to the Delhi Disaster Management Authority’s (DDMA) fresh orders issued on July 10, “religious places shall be permitted to open, but no visitors will be allowed”.

In an order issued by the SDM, “strict penal or criminal action” against officials of the concerned gurdwara as well “as against the individual” will be taken in case of any violation.

“.. all the president/secretary/joint secretary/sewadar of respective gurdwara are hereby directed to strictly follow the above guidelines; incase any violation is found during visit of higher authorities strict penal/criminal action shall be taken against president/secretary/joint secretary/sewadar of the concerned gurdwara, as well as against the individual, and the premises shall be sealed forthwith,” read the order issued by Ankur Prakash Meshram, SDM (Vasant Vihar).

The order, which was confirmed by the SDM to PTI, was questioned by Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) president Manjinder Singh Sirsa for singling out gurudwaras only.

“Shocked to read Ankur Prakash’s circular which concerns all religious places but mentions only Gurudwara Sahibs to remain closed for visitors. Why are other religious places not given a specific mention? Why such a harsh tone agnst Presidents/Secretaries amp; Sewadars of Gurdwaras?,” he tweeted.

“We condemn this biased attitude of Delhi Disaster Management Authority either this order should be revoked or the circular must mention all religious places,” Sirsa said.

The National Capital on Monday recorded 45 Covid-19 cases, the lowest single-day rise in over a year, and three deaths, while the positivity rate stood at 0.08 per cent. — PTI