COVID-19 Lockdown: Authorities in B’la intensifies crackdown on violators

Baramulla : With an aim to implement strict lockdown in order to control the spread of COVID-19 infection, Authorities in Baramulla have intensified the crackdown on all such elements who indulge in lockdown violations. District administration has scaled up anti-corona activities by mobilizing the available human resource and efforts are being made to keep public convenience especially facilitating the essential commodities under such circumstances on priority.
Deputy Commissioner Baramulla Dr G N Itoo, himself acts vigorously and conducted an array of inspections to several areas viz Sopore, Sangrama, Pattan etc besides checking the authenticity of movement passes on National Highway. According to DC, so far about 50 shops have been sealed, 77 vehicles have been seized among other strict initiatives that were taken in this regard. DC also said that 255 persons were arrested and 89 FIRs have been registered against the lockdown violators. Moreover, DC said that 125 Magistrates have been deployed for ensuring strict implementation of lockdown and random checking is being done with regard to the movement of vehicles/persons.
Dr Itoo further said that lockdown was even implemented in villages where the services of PRIs was utilized. “Drone Cameras have also been used to monitor the implementation of lockdown in vulnerable areas like Old Town Baramulla, Tangmarg and Uri”, the DC added.
Regarding the hassle free supply of essential commodities amid lockdown, DC said that administration has formulated a viable mechanism wherein commodities including rice, atta, LPG and other vital items were delivered at peoples doorsteps. “In some areas, specific delivery points have been formed where the distribution of such items was made keeping in consideration the social distancing and other related norms”, said Dr Itoo. He also added that certain relaxations have been given in some sectors which include medical emergencies, medical staff, agriculture and horticulture activities, poultry and telecom services. DC further said that use of face masks was made compulsory and any person found violating the order shall be imposed with fine or imprisonment.
Appealing people to cooperate with the administration in combating the spread of Coronavirus, DC urged people to follow all the related health advisories so that spread of the virus is controlled. He stressed to maintain social distancing at designated sales outlets and urged people to offer prayers in their homes during the holy month of Ramadhan.