SHILLONG: The places of worship in Meghalaya now under lockdown since April last, are likely to reopen next on the strength of an all embracing SOP to be worked by a seven-member sub-committee set up on Monday.
This was the outcome after All Shillong Faith Forum met with government to discuss the modalities of reopening. According to Forum sources, the government has asked them to prepare a draft SOP for consideration of the sub-committee which is headed by chief secretary M.S.Rao.
All constituents of the Forum will separately before submission of their proposals for the sub-committee to examine before the government takes a final call.
There seems to be an emerging consensus among all concerned, particularly after the Unlock.04 and the Durga Puja festival next month.
Speaking to media persons after the meeting, Deputy Chief Minister, Prestone Tynsong said that re-opening of worshipping places would depend on COVID situation and the recommendations of the sub-committee. To arrive at a decision, a meeting (with Forum) will be held this week, he said
When asked whether the idea of re-opening of worshipping places amidst the community spread of COVID-19, he said that the situation was still under control.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has issued new guidelines for re-openning of places which allows maximum 100 persons for gathering at any place. However, Tynsong found this unreasonable as the state has huge worshipping places where social distance can be easily maintained.