J&K Government has decided to act tough against those violating the lockdown imposed to curb spread of deadly coronavirus.
Kashmir is facing restrictions since a 67-year old ladytested positive for Covid-19 on Thursday.
A top official informed that there were several areas wherethe lockdown was being violated. “People must understand that this lockdown isto save lives, but unfortunately at several places people were seen roaming andgathering, as a consequence of which directions have been passed to police anddistrict administration to act tough which may include lodging FIRs againsterring citizens,” he said.
According to officials, people are thronging marketsparticularly after the deployment is lifted which is clear violation oflockdown as it is meant for 24 hours.
Speaking to Greater Kashmir, Divisional CommissionerKashmir Pandurang Pole said, “Anybody found violating government order willface FIR. Government has already issueda notification in which essential services have been identified, those dealingwith these services will be allowed to move but others who are found violatinglockdown will face action which includes FIR.”
“I would like to urge people to stay at home. I wouldreiterate again that people coming from foreign countries should not concealtheir travel history; otherwise they too will face law.”
Government on Sunday extended shutdown of all establishmentsin Jammu and Kashmir except essential services till March 31 to block thespread of Covid-19.
However, the distributors and retailers of grocery itemshave complained that authorities have not given them passes. “There is fullsupply chain, which is not run by a single person, government must issue passesto our staff and dealers so that they could reach their godowns to supplygrocery items. At many places even grocery stores are being closed which is initself a violation of government order,” said owner of a super market.