Expressing satisfaction over the people’s cooperation in the success of the current lockdown to prevent the spread of coronavirus, J&K police chief Dilbag Singh on Sunday said a total of 337 FIRs were registered and 627 persons arrested for violating prohibitory orders in the Union Territory.
In addition, 118 shops and 490 vehicles have been seized fordefying the orders, DGP Singh said, highlighting the need for a united actionto combat the deadly disease.
Jammu and Kashmir administration had on March 22 ordered ashutdown of all establishments, except those providing essential services andcommodities, to prevent the spread of the coronavirus infection, which has sofar claimed two lives in the Union Territory.
“A total of 337 FIRs were lodged against the lockdownviolators in which 627 persons have been arrested till Saturday evening. Mostof the arrested were later released after sensitizing them about the threat,”the police chief said in a statement.
He said the police is very strict against the lockdownviolators.
Reiterating his appeal to the people to follow the healthadvisories, he said, “The fight against COVID19 is not restricted to oneorganisation or one community, it is time to fight against this deadly diseasetogether.”
The cooperation provided by the people is “highly encouraging”,said Singh, adding the outreachprogrammes conducted by the police at the grassroots level helped incontrolling the social and religious gatherings.
He also appealed to the people to come forward in disclosingtheir travel history or if they are in contact with any such person who hasbeen tested positive for the infection.
“There is no harm in disclosing travel details, rather it isfor the safety and security of individuals, their families, relatives and forthe community,” Singh said.
Referring to the tremendous response of the people to thegovernment’s call to stay away from religious gathering, especially on Fridays,he said the people of J&K understood the need of staying at home andoffering prayers from there except few incidents where people come out.
“Most people are cooperating in fighting this threat andhave preferred to remain indoors. The people should not be afraid but it is thetime to be cautious,” Singh said adding the quarantine centres are readyin every district.
“The individuals need to come forward and contribute inbreaking the (transmission) chain. The number of positive cases is increasingby each passing day but can be reduced if we fight it together,” he said.
The DGP said the police is providing all possible assistanceto the civil administration, particularly the health department, in managingthe quarantine centres.”Allthose coming from outside J&K are being quarantined,” he said, addinghundreds of people are giving details of those persons who are hiding their travelhistory and so far more than 1,200 such people have been traced with thecooperation of the general public.