<span style="color: #222222;">Minority Affairs Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi has appealed to Indian Muslims to strictly follow the guidelines of lockdown and social distancing during the holy month of Ramadan, likely to start from 24th of this month. He urged them to offer prayers and perform other religious rituals staying inside their homes.</span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">Noting that most of the Muslim nations including Saudi Arabia, have stopped mass gathering during Ramadan at religious places, Mr Naqvi said, he has talked and appealed to various religious leaders, representatives of various social and religious organisations, officials and other office-bearers of state waqf boards that they should ensure implementation of guidelines of lockdown and social distancing during the Ramadan in view of Corona pandemic.</span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">The Minister said that the state waqf boards, through the Central Waqf Council, have been directed to take an effective approach to ensure that the people do not gather at religious and other places under any circumstances during the holy month. Mr Naqvi said, any type of carelessness can be harmful for people and their families as well as for the entire country.</span><br />''  <br />