Srinagar: As the number of COVID-19 positive cases continue to surge, youth in many areas of Srinagar and elsewhere have voluntarily blocked entry into their localities to prevent spread of deadly virus.
According to some youth, who initiated the practice, blocking entry into residential areas will certainly contain coronavirus from spreading further. They said the move will also help administration to curtail unnecessary movement of people on roads amidst lockdown.
Move gains momentum after some locals from Dargah Hazratbal shared a video on social media platforms including WhatsApp and facebook insisting people not to visit holy shrine till Covid 19 threat subsides.
“We appeal people to avoid visiting Dargah Hazratbal shrine till threat averts. As you see entire valley is under lockdown and public movement at this crucial juncture may prove dangerous for others. We have blocked all entry and exit points and people are requested not to visit this area as they won’t be able to get mutton, chicken, vegetables or Halwa Paratha at the moment,” an elderly man could be seen appealing people in widely shared video.
In video the locals could also be seen blocking entry and exit points to Dargah Hazratbal with wooden logs, stones and plastic road splitters.
Following the suit, youth from other areas of Srinagar, Budgam, Bandipora, Kulgam, Ganderbal and some other parts of the valley also restricted people’s movement into their localities by blocking all entry and exit points.
To make people comply with lockdown in letter and spirit, volunteers could also be seen beating violators on roads with sticks pictures of which also went viral on social media recently.
In Safakadal area of old city, youth strictly restricted outsiders to enter into their area. They said the lockdown is the only option to combat deadly virus and to save people from contacting infection.
“People should take this threat serious and try to stay at home till we overcome. We cannot take any risk at this point hence decided to restrict peoples’ movement. Only emergency cases will be allowed to move,” Adil Shafi a youth informed Kashmir Images on phone.
