Keerthi Jalli: "Rising trend of symptomatic cases," lockdown in Cachar from Aug 27

DC Cachar Keerthi Jalli orders a 9-day-lockdown in the district from August 27 to September 4. This comes after the Chief Secretary issued a letter in the morning stating that the government won’t object if the three deputy commissioners in Barak Valley decide to impose “restrictions” in areas under their jurisdiction.

Speaking with Barak Bulletin, DC Keerthi Jalli said, “This measure was taken keeping in mind the rising trend of symptomatic cases compared to earlier asymptomatic cases.”

The deputy commissioner added. “The need for an imminent break in the chain of transmission was felt and hence this preventive measure is being taken. I must be cruel only to be kind.”

Jalli appealed to the general public, “Request public to cooperate and understand the decision was equally hard for us.”

Jalli in her order mentioned, “This order shall come into force with effect from 5:00 am. of 27th August, 2020 and shall remain in force up till 12:00 a.m. (mid-night) of 4th September (09 days), 2020 and will be applicable throughout the district of Cachar.”

Here are the guidelines:

In the order, DC Keerthi Jalli states, “I, therefore in my capacity as the Chairperson of District Disaster Management Authority, Cachar in exercise of the powers conferred under Section 30(2)(v), of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, do hereby issue the following directives: All shops and establishments expect pharmacies will remain shut in Urban areas of Silchar (SDA area), Lakhipur Town, Sonai Town, Katigorah Bazaar, Kalain Bazar, Banskandi Bazar, Dholai Bazar & Borkhola Bazar.”

1. All weekly, bi-weekly, daily, morning and evening bazaars/haats will be suspended throughout the district

2. Standalone shops in rural areas (except in areas designated above) will be allowed to operate between 8:00 AM to 4 PM

3. Backend activities to maintain the supply chain of essential commodities will be allowed at all times.

4. All kinds of public construction work, agriculture and allied activities, activities in tea gardens and all activities and industries requiring continuous processes are allowed.

5. All Government offices and establishments including Banks (public and private), post offices etc. will be allowed to function as usual while following strict Covid protocols. All staff are to attend offices accordingly. All Government related works to continue.

6. Vehicles may be used only for emergency services and for ferrying passengers to and fro from Covid testing centres, exam centres and other such whilst following strict Covid protocols.

7. Students appearing for competitive exams(like JEE/NEET etc) will be allowed free movement upon producing Hall Tickets/ID cards

8. All places of worship shall remain closed for public. No religious congregation will be permitted.

9. All religious/social/political gatherings including for sports and entertainment will remain prohibited till further order.

10. These restrictions don’t apply to essential service providers like Hospitals (public and private), diagnostics, labs and other such Covid related duties.

11. Inter-state and infra-state movement of vehicles and goods will need no separate permission/approval/e-perrnit as issued by MHA under D.0 no 40-3/2020-DM-I(A), dated 22/08.2020

Citizens are encouraged to come for testing at our Covid Counselling and screening Centres across the district where tests for COVID-19 will be carried out every day between 9:30 AM to 4 PM.

The Superintendent of Police shall very strictly enforce the above measures without any dilution as these measures are put in place to avoid dangers to a large group of public. The officers are at liberty to invoke other legal provisions to enforce strict lockdown on being so satisfied with necessity. Any person or establishment violating these directives will be liable to be proceeded against under section 51 to 60 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005 besides legal action under Section 188 of the IPC and other legal provisions as applicable.