By Shazia Masood
The war against Coronavirus is taking its acceleration it is the time when only deeds can count and words are of less importance. Despite, lockdown, curfew, suspension of trains, international and domestic flights in the country due to the Coronavirus outbreak, the people from different areas are still persisting carelessly towards the deadliest chorus of the virus.
Singer Kanika Kapoor has been targeted by many for the carelessness displayed by her despite being advised to stay in quarantine at the airport. However, it’s not just Kanika Kapoor, many other individuals have had a carefree attitude that might harm us all. Two people with quarantine stamp, a lesson from police, were caught traveling in Bengaluru Rajdhani express, according to news sources.
Like many other places, the Kashmir region is also on lockdown in order to combat Covid-19. On March 18, a 65-year-old woman from Khanyar area of downtown Srinagar who had returned from Saudi Arabia was detected as the first case of Covid-19 in the Kashmir valley.
The next morning, Srinagar District Magistrate Shahid Iqbal Choudhary imposed restrictions in Srinagar city for the safety of the general public. He said, “There will be initial problems for a day or so. The administration will ensure effective services & supplies. Stay at home. Contact District Control Room for any help if required.”
The Government of India sought relaxation in case of emergencies and sets no restrictions in the movement of one’s and two’s. But unfortunately in many areas of Pulwama, Kulgam, Anantnag, Bandipora, and Kupwara many people have been seen in gatherings despite lockdown due to insufficient knowledge regarding the virus or incapability of police or administration.
“Despite lockdown, there are dozens of people who gather around shops to talk about Coronavirus and how it spreads but at the same time they forget that this gathering can be a cause of Coronavirus to all of them, a senior citizen Abdul Rashid Bhat said. ”
As we all know it’s deadly consequences we are deliberately doing the things not required at this point in time. If such persons will be given liberty to obey their own will, to be frank, they will be heading towards deliberate death.
Where are we heading towards Safe Zone or Danger Zone? Till now we are secure at homes, once outside we become vulnerable to this deadly virus. ?
With the death of Kashmir’s first COVID-19 victim, fears are rising whether the dead preacher has left behind trail of devastation that is slowly, but steadily haunting the people down in JK.
So far, 50 people who came into contact with him have been quarantined.
Fortunately, so far, reports say two doctors who came into contact with him have tested negative.
It is hoped that the people who came into contact with the Tablighi, who unknowingly had become a transmission vehicle for the dreaded virus, are safe.
The arrival of Kashmiri students from Iran, Bangladesh and China is another worrisome situation for the authorities.
While most of these students have been put into isolation, the fact remains that some ignorant parents have on the sly managed to take their wards home where they are now reportedly hiding.
Authorities have appealed neighbors and well-wishers of such families to come forward with information in order to protect the areas where such students might be hiding.
With 1500 people already under isolation/quarantine so far, authorities are trying to earmark more hospitals and beds to coup up with the future demand, if it arises.
Mosques, where the ”Tablighi” preacher had held congregations in Pulwama district, have been sealed and declared as administrative quarantine centers by the local DM.
Borders with neighboring Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, and Ladakh have been sealed.
“Coming weeks are going to be crucial. All undiscovered cases of infection, if any, are going to become full-blown during these weeks. If we successfully observe the 21-day long national lockdown then there is hope that the storm would pass,” said a senior doctor who wished not to be named.
Kashmir being an international destiny that has hosted people from all countries and cultures are at crossroads of its history today where it has to shut its doors on the outside World. No doubt, Kashmiris are very hospitable but where there is a question of life and death, doors for hospitality are to be closed, so that in future we Kashmiris should remain alive to show Hospitabiliy again to tourists in near future.
