SHILLONG, June 9 -- The state government has decided not to allow re-opening of religious places following increase in COVID-19 positive cases in the state.The decision was taken at a meeting convened by the Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma with leaders of various religious organizations on Tuesday.

Earlier, a decision to re-open places of worship from June 14 was taken in the first meeting held with religious groups on Friday last week.

Subsequently, the standard operating procedures (SOPs) for re-opening of places of worship has also been issued to all religious organizations.

"We have unanimously decided that re-opening of places of worship or religious places will not be allowed and the last decision taken on June 5 stands cancelled,...