LG urges people to strictly adhere to ‘Covid curfew’
699 people fined, 30 arrested for violating curfew: Police
Srinagar: Strict restrictions continued for the twelfth successive day on Monday in view of extension of the ‘COVID curfew’ once again till May 17 following an unabated rise in the number of fresh coronavirus cases and death in the Kashmir valley.
Lt Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday appealed to the people to strictly adhere to COVID curfew and follow all the guidelines — including wearing masks, maintaining social distance and hand hygiene — to curtail the spread of the virus.
Sinha said despite the time of festivals — including Ramadan and Eid – the decision to extend the lockdown was taken to keep everyone safe. “I once again appeal all the people to adhere to the COVID curfew and other guidelines so that precious lives can be saved and the spread of the virus can be curtailed,” he added.
The Jammu and Kashmir administration on Sunday extended the ‘COVID curfew’, which was scheduled to end on Monday, till May 17 in all 20 districts of the Union Territory. Eid-ul-Fitr, the culmination of holy fasting month of Ramadan, also falls within the extended corona curfew period.
The extension in the lockdown in the UT has come in the backdrop of unabated rise in the number of Covid-19 cases in J&K, particularly the Srinagar, which has recorded the major chunk of positive cases during the last about 28 days.
Streets continued to wear a deserted look on Monday as shops and business establishments remained closed and traffic was off the roads in Srinagar and other parts of Kashmir valley, where security forces have closed majority of the roads with barbed wires and barricades to stop the movement of people.
All the roads and market places, including Lal Chowk, the nerve centre of Srinagar, remained sealed to prevent movement of people.
Meanwhile, 699 people were fined while 30 others were arrested during the last 24 hours in Kashmir valley for violating COVID curfew and other guidelines imposed by the administration to curtail the spread of the virus.
A police spokesperson said during last 24 hours, police has arrested 30 persons, lodged 22 FIRs and also realized fine to the tune of Rs 95,600 from 699 people for violating the guidelines/rules throughout Kashmir valley.
Besides, he said 64 vehicles were also seized in Budgam, Baramulla and Shopian for violating guidelines/restrictions and indulging in illegal extraction and transportation of minerals.
“Community members are once again requested to cooperate with the Police in containing the spread of Coronavirus by following the SOPs/ guidelines/ protocols for the safety of the people. The special drive shall remain continue throughout the districts of Kashmir Valley to strengthen the safety measures,” he added.
