Assam chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Saturday urged Muslims to curtail Id celebrations and pray indoors in view of the novel coronavirus pandemic.

Sonowal made the appeal at Jonai in Dhemaji district, following the sharp spike in Covid cases this week.

Assam governor Jagdish Mukhi, while conveying his greetings to the people on Id, appealed to all to celebrate the festival at their homes and not to attend any religious gathering.

In Tinsukia district, members of masjid committees resolved to follow the government guidelines during Id in the greater interest of society. The resolution was taken during a meeting held at the deputy commissioner’s office regarding Id celebrations on Monday. “All the members representing the masjid committees said they would follow the government guidelines in the greater interest of society and would not perform the namaz at mosques. People will perform Id-namaz in their respective residences only,” the release read.

Tinsukia additional superintendent of police Ripunjoy Kakoty said, “Please keep strict vigil and watch on any kind of rumour in social media and inform the police and district administration so that timely action can be taken against the rumour mongers.”

The All Assam Minorities Students’ Union also urged devotees to celebrate Id in adherence to lockdown rules and regulations and cooperate with the administration.

In Dhubri, people were seen thronging the markets for Id, ignoring Covid guidelines.

“If our children cannot celebrate Id with new clothes, there is no point in working so hard throughout the year,” a mother said at Hawkers Market in Dhubri town.

Additional reporting by Manoj Kumar Ojha in Doomdooma and Mukesh Kumar Singh in Dhubri