All three DCs of Barak Valley are in favour of putting "restrictions"; "Government has no objection," Chief Secretary

As reported by Barak Bulletin yesterday, the chief secretary has issued an order stating that the state government will not object to lockdown measures if imposed by the deputy commissioners in Barak Valley.

This comes a day after Karimganj DC, Anbamuthan MP announced that there is a possibility of “Total lockdown in entire Barak Valley.”

In his order, the chief secretary leaves the ball on the respective deputy commissioners’ court. He writes, “It has been reported to me by the Deputy Commissioners of the three districts of Barak Valley, i.e., Cachar, Karimganj and Hailakandi of Assam that there are increased incidences of the spread of COVID 19 cases in their respective jurisdictions.”

It is worth mentioning here that yesterday, Cachar reported 75 COVID positive cases. This number, last Saturday i.e August 15, 2020, was 148. It shows that the number has reduced by almost 50 per cent, contrary to what the administration has communicated to the chief secretary. The number on August 13, 2020, was 277 but a week later, on August 20, 2020, it dropped down to 148.

The chief secretary’s order further reads, “The respective Deputy Commissioners are also in favour of putting in place certain restrictions to ensure strict compliance of COVID 19 protocols.”

“Having carefully examined the reports and opinions of the Deputy Commissioners, it has been decided that the State Government has no objection to the measures to be put in place by DDMAs of these three districts as deemed proper for ensuring prevention of the further spread of COVID19 between Wednesday, the 26′ August and Friday, the 4th September 2020,” Chief Secretary indicated towards a 10-day-lockdown.

He, however, made it clear that the District Disaster Management Authorities are directed to ensure compliance of all directives issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs including the latest one which prohibits States from imposing restrictions on the inter-state and intra-state movement of people and goods.

Speaking with Barak Bulletin, Hailakandi DC, Megh Nidhi Dahal said “We are working out details in consultation with other two districts with regards to the form and extent of restrictions. A detailed order will be out by tomorrow.”

J R Lalsim, District Development Commissioner Department echoed the same and said a meeting will be held to decide further course of action.

How the three districts impose restrictions remains to be seen.