There has been some disturbing reports pouring in that despite the lockdown announced by the Jammu and Kashmir administration people have been on roads and there was traffic mess in certain areas particularly on Srinagar-Baramulla road. The authorities have been regularly asking the people to avoid unnecessary outing and to stay at home so that they stay healthy. But there is a chunk of population that is not ready to heed to the guidelines that could help defeat the deadly Coronavirus. These people are not only risking their own lives but are also voluntarily becoming the carriers of the deadly virus and thus becoming a growing threat to the lives of others. Sunday’s Janata Curfew was a rehearsal to make people to gear up for a longer battle. But what happened at 5 PM killed the basic essence of this message of minimizing human contact. The Prime Minister had asked people to clap for those who are risking their lives to save the common people particularly people from medical fraternity and other essential services. However, in certain case this applauding of these warriors was made into a tamasha wherein people gathered to do all dramatics. In one such case, top police and civil officers too were seen leading a frenzied mob without giving a fig to the basic lesson of social distancing.
People need to understand that they can fight COVID-19 only by following WHO guidelines which are being dished out every day by the authorities. Here in Kashmir too the authorities, while updating the status of the virus affected people, are every day appealing people to follow the guidelines. The lockdown too has been imposed to ensure that people stay safe at their respective residences. The UT administration has issued a list of 16 essential services that are allowed to move and function. Rest everything has been closed down. The people should strictly adhere to the guidelines to ensure their own safety and safety of fellow citizens. The district administrations in Kashmir too need to pull their socks and ensure that no unnecessary movement is allowed on the roads. It is time that people join hands with administration and defeat the spread of the deadly virus.
