President raises concern over gathering of migrant workers, Tablighi Jamaat event

President Ram Nath Kovind on Friday held a video-conference with the Governors, Lieutenant Governors and Administrators of States/UTs and discussed ways to contribute to the measures taken by the Government of India and the State Governments in response to the outbreak of COVID-19. The President emphasized the need to ensure that no one remains hungry during the nationwide lockdown.

Affirming that citizens have set an example by showing exemplary courage, discipline and solidarity in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, President expressed concern over two incidents, the gathering of migrant workers in Anand Vihar and the congregation of Tablighi Jamaat in Nizamuddin, both in Delhi, that caused a setback to the efforts, a press release said.

The President also noted with concern the incidents of attacks on doctors, health workers and police personnel in some parts of the country and endorsed the Prime Minister Narendra Modi's appeal to all citizens to switch off lights in homes at 9 PM on Sunday and instead switch on their mobile flashlights, torches or lamps in an expression of people’s solidarity to fight against coronavirus.