The Jammu and Kashmir administration decided to open religious premises and places of worship from August 16

Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir administration decided to open religious premises and places of worship from August 16 but extended other standard operating procedures for Covid-19 containment till August 31.

Rohit Kansal tweet

"Major decision by J&K Government. All religious places and places of worship to open in Jammu & Kashmir from August 16, 2020. Religious processions and large religious gatherings remain strictly prohibited," government spokesperson Rohit Kansal said in a tweet.

According to an order issued by the chief secretary, a separate SOP will be issued for opening of religious places.

Meanwhile, the administration has declared all districts of Kashmir except Bandipora as red zones.

Vaishno DeviDoda and Kishtwar districts are placed in green zones while rest of the seven districts in Jammu region and Bandipora district have been categorised as orange zones.

The government has asked the people to follow the SOPs for respective zones or face penal action in case of any violation.