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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Another North Goa nightclub sealed; Kejriwal says corruption led to fire tragedy
Panaji (PTI): As part of a crackdown against tourist establishments violating laws and safety norms in the aftermath of the Arpora fire tragedy, Goa authorities on Saturday sealed a renowned club at Vagator and revoked the fire department NOC of another club.
Cafe CO2 Goa, located on a cliff overlooking the Arabian Sea at Vagator beach in North Goa, was sealed. The move came two days after Goya Club, also in Vagator, was shut down for alleged violations of rules.
Elsewhere, campaigning for local body polls, AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal said the fire incident at Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub at Arpora, which claimed 25 lives on December 6, happened because the BJP government in the state was corrupt.
An inspection of Cafe CO2 Goa by a state government-appointed team revealed that the establishment, with a seating capacity of 250, did not possess a no-objection certificate (NOC) of the Fire and Emergency Services Department. The club, which sits atop Ozrant Cliff, also did not have structural stability, the team found.
The Fire and Emergency Services on Saturday also revoked the NOC issued to Diaz Pool Club and Bar at Anjuna as the fire extinguishers installed in the establishment were found to be inadequate, said divisional fire officer Shripad Gawas.
A notice was issued to Nitin Wadhwa, the partner of the club, he said in the order.
Campaigning at Chimbel village near Panaji in support of his party's Zilla Panchayat election candidate, Aam Aadmi Party leader Kejriwal said the nightclub fire at Arpora happened because of the "corruption of the Pramod Sawant-led state government."
"Why this fire incident happened? I read in the newspapers that the nightclub had no occupancy certificate, no building licence, no excise licence, no construction licence or trade licence. The entire club was illegal but still it was going on," he said.
"How could it go on? Couldn't Pramod Sawant or anyone else see it? I was told that hafta (bribe) was being paid," the former Delhi chief minister said.
A person can not work without bribing officials in the coastal state, Kejriwal said, alleging that officers, MLAs and even ministers are accepting bribes.
