Authorities on Tuesday tightened the restrictions across valley to stop the movement of people in the wake of deadly coronavirus even as the police decided to take strict action against violators.
Amid tight curbs, police and security forces sealed off manyroads by erecting barricades to restrain public movement. However, peopledealing in essential commodities were allowed after showing identity cards.
Sources said that markets across the valley were shut,public transport was off roads and train services remained suspended.Educational institutes and
public places such as gymnasiums,parks, clubs and restaurants remained closed.
Restrictions were first imposedin the valley on Thursday last week to contain the spread of coronavirus. Themeasures were taken after a 67-year-old woman from Srinagar area who hadreturned on 16 March from Saudi Arabia, tested positive for covid-19.
Police vehicles fitted withpublic address systems went around the residential areas in the city here andelsewhere in the valley late Monday as well as early in morning Tuesday toannounce that restrictions under Section 144 CrPC had been imposed.
Acting against violators of theprohibition orders, the police had on Monday said that they arrested 49 personsfrom Srinagar, Sopore, Handwara and Anantnag.
In Srinagar, police receivedinformation regarding a gathering at Gani Memorial Stadium, Srinagar. Officersswung into action and arrested three persons for violating the orders.
The officials said the trio hadorganised a cricket match at the stadium.
In Sopore, 10 persons werearrested for violating prohibition orders, while in Handwara 35 persons weretaken into custody. Police also seized 23 vehicles from different areas ofHandwara in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district, they said.