Srinagar, May 19 : Normal life continued to remain affected in Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday for the 21st consecutive day due to lockdown in the wake of the unrelenting surge in coronavirus cases, officials said.
Police and paramilitary forces kept barricades on roads at many places in Srinagar as well as in other district headquarters of the Valley and the Jammu region to prevent the movement of people. However, essential and emergency services are allowed, the officials added.
Most of the shops, and other business establishments remained shut while public transport was off the roads.
Recently, the curfew has been imposed with strictness with police allowing only limited vehicles to move.
In view of the alarming surge in daily cases across the Kashmir Valley, Police said to have enhanced the efforts to implement the Covid-19 guidelines, SOPs and restrictions strictly throughout the valley, a police spokesman said.
“During the last 24 hours, Police has arrested 232 persons, lodged 98 FIRs and also realized fine to the tune of Rs 1,49,280 from 1041 people for violating the guidelines/rules throughout Kashmir valley,” the spokesman said in a statement to Kashmir Despatch. Besides, he said, 111 vehicles were also seized in Shopian, Kulgam, Budgam and Bandipora for violating guidelines/restrictions.
On April 29, the administration imposed a curfew in 11 districts in a bid to arrest the surge in Covid-19 cases, which was subsequently extended to all the 20 districts the next day till May 17.
Last weekend, the lockdown was extended till 7 am on May 24.
“The special drive against the violators of Covid-19 guidelines/rules continued throughout all the districts of Kashmir Valley to ensure that people adhere to SOPs/ guidelines envisaged by government to curb COVID-19 pandemic,” the spokesman said, adding, “Community members are once again requested to cooperate with the Police in containing the spread of Coronavirus by following the SOPs/ guidelines/ protocols for the safety of the people. The special drive shall remain continue throughout the districts of Kashmir Valley to strengthen the safety measures.”
