Srinagar: Despite the government imposing a lockdown in Srinagar, people continue to move from one place to another.
A businessman while talking to Precious Kashmir said, “It seems that lockdown is only for shopkeepers as other activities are continuing unabated. Traffic snarls are being witnessed at important junctions and places and people are carrying on with their business as usual.”
An expert said, “The COVID-19 virus won’t stop moving until people restrict their movement. If we keep on going out, the situation can go out of hand.”
He said, “The people should bear in mind that the lockdown is for their own benefit. If we want normalcy to return we will have to show some patience and tolerance. Going out and moving from one place to another will worsen the situation.”
An observer said that the law enforcing agencies should enforce the lockdown strictly. “The violators need to be penalized. If we don’t stop people from coming out of their homes unnecessarily the cases will keep on multiplying as there seems no end to the chain that’s growing longer with each passing day.”
A doctor said, “People should realize that the COVID-19 is no drama and it’s a reality. The virus has crept into our community and we are still very far from defeating it. The battle against Corona has to be won through wits. Wearing double masks, using sanitizers, maintaining social distance are the basics. This is not the time for us to go out in cars and move from one place to another. None of us is virus proof we are all vulnerable and can end up losing our lives.”
A shopkeeper said, “The lockdown should be for everyone and not only for the traders. Shops are closed despite the huge rush of people in the markets. The lockdown is not making any sense.”
An official said, “If people don’t stop venturing out of their homes unnecessarily the restrictions will be made more stringent. We are making passionate appeals to the masses to stay indoors as the situation is very grim.”
He said that the government has set up the COVID control rooms and the situation is being monitored closely. “If the need arises, the strength of the security force personnel on the streets will be increased to enforce the curfew strictly. We don’t want people to face hardships but for that they need to cooperate with the authorities,” the official added.