Amid lockdown, interior parts of city defy Govt order

Srinagar: A day after authorities declared to lock-down Valley except essential services, crowds were seen in different parts of Srinagar interiors and other parts of Kashmir districts.
Eyewitnesses said almost every market in the interior of Srinagar city witnessed huge rush. Crowds were seen outside in large numbers even outside ATM’s. Reports said that a huge rush was seen at the ATM in Armpora Kupwara.
People were seen in large numbers buying stuff from shops even in some parts, people were seen busy in gossips at shop fronts.
Witnesses said that people in large numbers were seen roaming in the interiors of Srinagar city including Sanat Nagar, Mehjoor Nagar, Jawahar Nagar, Dalgate, Sonawar, Bemina, Qamarwari, Zainakadal and other areas.
In some parts, construction work was going on smoothly. In Rajbagh area scores of non-local labourers were seen busy in construction work.
In South Kashmir’s Shopian district, police registered a case against violators who defied government orders. A large number of people were seen roaming in Shopian, busy in gossips and even some parts of Valley, youth were seen playing cricket and carom borad.
Meanwhile, SSP Srinagar, Dr Haseeb Mughal appealed people not to venture out unnecessarily and abide by the government rules. He said isolation is the best remedy to combat lethal Coronavirus. “We appeal people to avoid social and religious gatherings. Stern action will be taken against violators and every business centre that remains open will be sealed,” Mughal told reporters.
He appealed social media users to refrain from posting any news report about Coronavirus without any authentication.
Dr Haseeb Mughal asked people to stay indoors and come out only in case of any medical emergency. “In case of any help, people should call our helpline number 112,” he added.
Meanwhile, due to lock down life was disrupted across Kashmir. Police in different parts were seen patrolling on roads asking people to stay indoors. In some parts, police carried out a flag march and pressed drones into services to monitor the movement of the people.
City centre Lal Chowk wore a deserted look. Barricades were erected at intersection to curb the movement of the people. The roads and highways were also barricaded to stop the movement of vehicles.
Earlier 144 CrPc was imposed, restricting the assembly of more than 4 persons at a place, after a 67 year old woman from having travel history tested positive for Coronovirus, making her the first positive COVID-19 case from valley. Restrictions were also imposed on public movement to deal with the Coronavirus threat.