Meeting with Cachar DC held, “Decision expected tomorrow,” Existing restrictions likely to continue

Since the last few days, speculations have been rife that there might be a blanket lockdown in Cachar. News channels, primarily those headquartered in Guwahati, claimed that the situation in Cachar has been deemed alarming and due to this, it has been identified as one of the districts where there will be a blanket lockdown.

The chief minister of Assam, Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, in one of his recent statements mentioned that there are a few districts “which are the cause of concern” for the Government. Though he did not name any other district apart from Biswanath, it was again reported that Cachar is in that list of districts.

Yesterday, there was a cabinet meeting and there it was decided that only after due discussion with the respective deputy commissioners, the Assam Disaster Management Authority will roll out a Standard Operating Procedure. Highly placed sources in the state’s secretariat informed that the virtual meeting took place earlier today.

The chief secretary of Assam’s Office informed, “A meeting was held today and the district’s condition was reviewed. The decision will be announced tomorrow for the public to know.” Cachar DC Keerthi Jalli did not wish to comment on the story.

Sources in the secretariat indicated that the existing restrictions imposed in the district will stay in effect until further review. Assam Chamber of Commerce – South Assam Chapter recently submitted a memorandum to the deputy commissioner urging to provide relaxation till at least 5 pm. Highly placed sources in Dispur confirmed that such relaxations are unlikely at this stage for Cachar.

After the video conference, chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma posted on Facebook, “With Hon Health Minister Keshab Mahanta and CS, I reviewed micro containment compliance & vaccination progress with all DCs, SPs, health officials. Asked to speed up vaccination, ensure social distancing at inoculation sites, and faster coverage of all frontline workers.”