Shoppers throng markets in various areas
Admin withdraws provision of exemption for permissible activities
Srinagar: Even as the government claimed no partial relaxation in Corona Curfew, the markets across Srinagar and other parts of the Valley witnessed a rush of shoppers who were seen buying various essentials ahead of the Eid-ul-Fitr.
Some of the roads continued to wear a deserted look as the Corona Curfew remained in place for the 12th straight day in Jammu and Kashmir in order to prevent the cases from spreading.
Witnesses and reports said that shoppers were seen busy in the markets buying essentials ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr. According to eye-witnesses, bakery, mutton and chicken and readymade garment shops witnessed rush of shoppers.
The roads witnessed brisk vehicular movement coupled with traffic snarls at several places, they said.
They said some areas remained under lockdown where the police and paramilitary troopers were deployed and had erected concertina wires on the roads, halting the pedestrians as well as the vehicular movement.
Notably, the government has imposed lockdown across Jammu and Kashmir since April 29 evening in order to prevent the virus from spreading. The administration extended the Corona Curfew across J&K till May 17.
Meanwhile, a police spokesman in a statement issued here said that 156 persons were arrested during the last 24 hours.
During the last 24 hours, Police has arrested 156 persons, lodged 86 FIRs and also realized fine to the tune of Rs 104,350 from 672 people for violating the guidelines and rules throughout Kashmir valley, spokesman said.
“Besides, 44 vehicles were also seized in Budgam, Ganderbal and Shopian for violating guidelines and restrictions,” police said, adding that the special drive against the violators of Covid-19 guidelines and rules continued throughout all the districts of Kashmir Valley to ensure that people adhere to SOPs and guidelines envisaged by government to curb COVID-19 pandemic.
Moreover, police urged people to cooperate in containing the spread of Coronavirus by following the SOPs, guidelines and protocols for the safety of the people. “The special drive shall remain continue throughout the districts of Kashmir Valley to strengthen the safety measures,” police said.
Meanwhile, the Srinagar administration said that the provision of exemption for partially permissible activities from 8:00AM to 12:00PM has been withdrawn till further orders.
Earlier, in an order, the administration had announced relaxations from 8 am to 12 noon for the sale of “some permissible items” during the ongoing Corona Curfew. The partially permissible activities as per the order include retail and wholesale grocery shops (excluding multi item departmental stores), milk and dairy products, mandis, shops and street vendors’ dealing with fruit and vegetables only, bakery, meat and chicken shops.
However, in a separate order, District Magistrate Muhammad Aijaz Asad) said that “In consonance with the State Executive Committee guidelines vide order No. 29-JK(DMRRR) of 2021 dated 09.05.2021 and in continuation to this office order No: DSC/DDMA/THQ/21/332-44 Dated: 09.05.2021, I Mohammad Aijaz (IAS) District Magistrate Srinagar, in the capacity of Chairman DDMA, by virtue of powers vested in me under Section 34 of the National Disaster Management Act, 2005 read with section 144 of CrPC. hereby order that the provision of exemption for partially permissible activities from 8:00AM to 12:00PM (Para-B, items: I-IV) is hereby withdrawn till further orders.”
“Movement of Govt. Officials shall be regulated through passes issued by the District Administration, Srinagar and Heads of Departments shall regulate attendance of the employees at 50% strength in light of guidelines issued by State Executive Committee,” the order said. (with inputs from KNO)
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