Afaq Bhat
Srinagar, Apr 14: Realizing the gravity of the situation, denizens of Srinagar City are themselves imposing lockdown in different areas to prevent the COVID-19 from spreading.
Srinagar has been worst hit due to the outbreak of Coronavirus pandemic as more than 50 positive cases have been reported in different areas of the district.
People have understood that situation is grave and remaining confined within the homes is the only way out to prevent this deadly virus from spreading.
In many areas locals have blocked the roadways and streets to prevent people from moving out unnecessarily. Authorities have declared most of the areas in Srinagar’s old city as “Red Zones” and have imposed strict restrictions in these areas. “People in many old city areas have formed committees to keep a check on the movement of people. These groups are also ensuring that people who survive hand to mouth don’t face any difficulties. Every attempt is being made to ensure that essential commodities reach the needy and the affluent who can contribute are coming forward to help these committees to make purchases. All this is being done without any publicity,” said an observer.
He said pictures of many areas being sealed by the locals have gone viral on social media. “Everyone in Kashmir is trying to tell each other that they need to stay at home to stay safe. This is the message which is emerging out from Srinagar,” the observer added.
A doctor said, “It looks like that the situation is improving as more than twenty COVID-19 positive patients have recovered, and they stand discharged from the hospitals.”
He said, “If we remain firm on our resolve we can come out of the present crisis. At present lockdown is the only way to fight this deadly virus. More than any medicine or cure the fight against the COVID-19 is all about taking precautions. Its not for the first time that people of Kashmir are facing a crisis they have witnessed many such situations in the past also.”
Recently, Director SKIMS, Dr A G Ahangar said that next two weeks are crucial as coming fortnight “will tell us whether the COVID-19 has spread within the community or not.”
Youth of Kashmir are once again leading from the front and are ensuring that people don’t wander in streets. It proves that Kashmir’s younger generation is vibrant and alive to the crisis.
