In view of instances of non-cooperation and violations of restrictions from the general public reported from across the district Monday, the District Magistrate Srinagar Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary has ordered stricter restrictions on movement in the district.
The decision to impose stricter restrictions has been takenafter taking into account feedback obtained from security agencies and reportsof executive magistrates and considering appeals from healthcare professionalsand members of the general public of the district.
The order states that till further mechanism has been put inplace for movement of all notified essential services the exemption on movementshall apply only to officials of healthcare (including doctors, paramedics andambulance operators), fire and emergency services, power, water, food and civilsupplies and public works departments, officials on duty at quarantine centresand those associated with measures for containment of spread of coronavirusinfection, those engaged in transportation of medicines and essentialcommodities and equipment like ration, petrol, diesel and LPG, and print andelectronic media persons.
It states that other organisations like banks andtelecommunications related to essential services as specified in governmentorder issued vide number 60-FCS&CA of 2020 dated 22.03.2020 will be issuedmovement passes for minimum staff required for running their operations.
The order directs that all kinds of business and otherestablishments will remain closed and prohibits public movement includingpedestrian and vehicular up to 6 pm on March 31. Cremations and funerals willbe allowed though.
Concerned agencies have been directed to ensure strictenforcement of restrictions as orderedacross the district.
The order issued under Section 144 of CrPC states that thedecision to impose strict restrictions has been taken as a preventive measureand are aimed at preventing spread of the coronavirus infection.
Dr Shahid appealed to the general public to cooperate withthe administration and ensure strict adherence to the order. He said violationof the order would constitute criminal offence and attract strict action underSection 188 of IPC.
He said the district administration has put in place amechanism to ensure uninterrupted supplies and deliveries of essential servicesto the general public of the district. He also said that a proper grievance redressalmechanism is in place to ensure quick redress of concerns.