Srinagar: Alleging that people of Kashmir are confused about implementation of COVID curfew because it is not applicable on ground, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday urged the administration to either impose the lockdown properly or completely lift it.
BJP Kashmir Media In-charge and youth leader Manzoor Bhat said that it is unfortunate that despite lockdown, heavy traffic jams were witnessed in Srinagar city. “It shows how city administration has failed completely to curb the COVID-19 infections”.
Bhat urged Lt Governor Administration to either impose a strict lockdown or lift all the restrictions in Kashmir. “Passenger vehicles are openly violating the COVID-19 guidelines and lockdown has been only restricted to the closing of shops,” he alleged.
“Our worthy Deputy Commissioner Srinagar is not capable of imposing lockdown, he should learn from his predecessor. Lockdown is not restricted for traders and shopkeepers… why are public and private vehicles plying openly,” he questioned.
“On one hand, there is a strict lockdown on papers and on the other hand same administration is proving curfew passes for public transport vehicles. Both police and administration should look into this issue immediately,” he said.
Bhat said the BJP had recently announced grievance helpline numbers for distressed people and they are trying their best to reach out to them through various means, including oxygen cylinders, medicine, and other things. “At some places, we need some help from the local administration and it is unfortunate that the DC Srinagar is not responding to several phone calls from the BJP office. The calls were not meant to gain personal favor but were made for public work,” he said.