New Delhi, The Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) has sought the reopening of all temples in the country, with all Covid-19 related precautions in place. It has argued that many people may fall prey to depression otherwise. It has also batted for all Gurudwaras, Ashrams and other places of worship across the country to be allowed to open.

VHP Central Working President Alok Kumar said that the pandemic and the ensuing lockdown has caused "increasing adverse effects on the psychological health of the people, locked in their homes". 

"People locked in their homes for a long time, due to the corona pandemic, have started going through mental pressures and stress, and consequently going to fall prey to depression. In such a situation, they will be able to get rid of that mental stress by visiting temples and other places of worship," Kumar reasoned.

He stated that Hindu society has always been conducting itself with "responsibility", referring to social distancing norms. "The Mata Vaishno Devi pilgrimage is also going on following all the necessary parameters and protocols put in place by the authorities. Thus, now it is the right time that the Government should allow temples, Gurudwaras & Ashrams etc. to open soon," Alok Kumar argued.