UK, Canada PMs wish Muslims on a "different Eid" amidst COVID-19 pandemic
Says, You’ve shown us the best of what it means to serve your community
As Muslims across the world celebrate one of their two Eids, Eid-ul-Adha, the British and Canadian Prime Ministers shared video messages through their official social media handles, to wish Eid Mubarak to Muslims across the globe.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, in a video shared on his official Facebook timeline, wished Eid Mubarak to Muslims in the UK and around the world. The video was shared with the caption “I want to wish Muslims here in the UK and around the world the very best for Eid al-Adha.”
In the video, Boris noted that “The past few months haven’t been easy for anyone. For British Muslims, first, they had to observe Ramadhan, normally such a social month, under lockdown, and then many wanting to perform Hajj had their hopes dashed because of the restrictions relating to the Coronavirus”.
He went on to add that he was thankful to the Muslims of the UK for the sacrifices they’ve made and drives such as food donation and others to look after those in need, during the grave pandemic crisis.
He also added that Muslims working on the frontline of the pandemic at times losing their own lives while also lauding the efforts of Muslims working in other key sectors including the police, teaching among others.
He also urged the Muslims to continue their excellent work and help the government in their fight against the pandemic.
In a similar video, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau elaborated on how he joined a Muslim family in their Eid celebrations and made Eid cards for their friends and relatives.
In the caption of the video, he wrote “Muslims in Canada and around the world celebrate Eid al-Adha. Usually, families and their loved ones come together to pray, share a meal, and express their gratitude for life's blessings. Unfortunately, as we continue to fight against COVID-19, Muslim families must celebrate differently. It is therefore important to find new ways to celebrate while respecting health guidelines. This week I joined the Chowdhury family to make Eid cards for their friends and relatives. Happy Eid al-Adha to all. Eid Mubarak!”
In another video, Justin Trudeau noted that it can be distressing for Muslims to not take part in Hajj especially for those who had planned it for the first time this year. He noted that it was important to take precautionary measures to keep communities safe.
He further said that the Muslims have put into practice the values of Eid-ul-Adha of generosity and sacrifice right from the start of COVID-19.
“Whether you were supporting a local charity of being there for your neighbors, you’ve stepped up to make sure the most vulnerable have food to eat, and our essential workers have the supplies they need. You’ve shown us the best of what it means to serve your community” he said in the video.
He further added that his government will always be by their side as they work together to build a more inclusive Canada. He concluded the video by advising people to follow COVID-19 norms.
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Ballari clash: Sriramulu, Janardhana Reddy hold press meet; statue unveiling postponed
Ballari: Former minister B Sriramulu and Gangavathi MLA Gali Janardhana Reddy addressed a joint press conference on Friday, a day after a violent clash broke out between rival Reddy groups over the installation of banners ahead of the Valmiki statue unveiling programme in the city.
Speaking to reporters, Sriramulu said the death of Rajasekhar Reddy, who was killed by a gunshot during the clash, was painful. He said he and his party would stand by the victim’s family and extend support to them. Alleging that Ballari MLA Nara Bharath Reddy was responsible for the incident, Sriramulu demanded legal action against him and called for a thorough probe to establish whose bullet caused Rajasekhar Reddy’s death.
Sriramulu further alleged that the clash was premeditated, claiming that a group had come near their residence with petrol-filled beer bottles and stones, allegedly with the intention of attacking them. He also alleged that there was an attempt to assault Janardhana Reddy.
Janardhana Reddy, addressing the media, said the incident had made him fear for his life. He alleged that there was an attempt to kill him and held Bharath Reddy responsible for the violence. Former minister Somasekhar Reddy, BJP Ballari district leaders and party workers were also present at the press meet.
The clash occurred on Thursday night in the Havambhavi area when rival groups confronted each other over putting up banners for the Valmiki statue unveiling scheduled for January 3. During the violence, a Congress worker was shot dead. Police have registered four separate cases in connection with the incident, including one taken up suo motu.
Responding to the allegations, Ballari MLA Bharath Reddy said the party was mourning the loss of its worker, Rajasekhar Reddy, whom he described as a close associate. He accused Janardhana Reddy of trying to divert attention from illegal mining issues and said the death had cast a shadow over the planned celebrations. He announced that the Valmiki statue unveiling programme had been postponed due to the prevailing atmosphere of grief.
Meanwhile, Ballari Rural MLA B Nagendra confirmed that the statue unveiling event had been temporarily deferred following the clash and on the advice of the Chief Minister. He said the programme would be held on a later date under the leadership of the Chief Minister and senior ministers. Nagendra also criticised Janardhana Reddy, saying there was no place for what he described as a “Republic of Ballari” mindset under the present administration, and asserted that the government would not allow any form of intimidation or lawlessness.
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