Mangaluru: Former mayor K Ashraf has sought permission for Muslims to offer Ramzan prayers at mosques. In a letter to chief minister B S Yediyurappa, leader of opposition Siddaramaiah and deputy commissioner Sindhu B Rupesh, Ashraf said the state government must consider positively this request from Muslims.

Voicing the opinion on behalf of DK District Muslim Okkoota, Ashraf said the relaxation in lockdown is not in sync with the ground realities. Ashraf said the move to allow commercial activity will lead to the gathering of people and pose a challenge to the authorities to contain Covid-19. “It is imperative that the government maintains status quo till the end of Ramzan. If the government feels it prudent to allow these activities, it should also allow Muslims to offer prayers in mosques following (social distancing) norms,” Ashraf said.