Authorities enforce strict Corona Curfew in Valley

Srinagar, May 12: Ahead of the Muslim festival, Eid-ul-Fitr, authorities on Wednesday tightened Corona Curfew across Srinagar and other parts of the Valley to prevent the deadly virus from spreading.
The strict curfew comes a day after the markets across Srinagar and other districts witnessed a huge rush of shoppers, who were seen buying essentials ahead of the Eid-ul-Fitr.
Most of the roads across Srinagar wore a deserted look as the authorities had deployed police and paramilitary troopers on the roads since the wee hours of this morning to enforce the lockdown strictly.
Witnesses said that the roads were blocked by the forces by erecting concertina wires, saying that no one was being allowed to pass through the roads.
They added that the shops, which remained open yesterday, were closed as the authorities didn’t allow them to run their businesses after the administration withdrew its orders regarding the partial relaxation for some permissible activities from 08:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Witnesses said that police had placed rolls of barbed wires on the middle of the roads in Srinagar to prevent private vehicular traffic.
Notably, the Corona Curfew continued to remain in place for 13th straight day. The government had imposed lockdown across Jammu and Kashmir since April 29 evening in order to prevent the virus from spreading. The administration has recently extended the Corona Curfew across Jammu and Kashmir till May 17.
Meanwhile, during last 24 hours, a police spokesman said that police has arrested 145 persons, lodged 92 FIRs and also realized fine to the tune of Rs 1,09,200 from 678 people for violating the guidelines and rules throughout Kashmir.
“Besides, 15 vehicles were also seized in Budgam and Kulgam for violating guidelines and restrictions and indulging in illegal extraction and transportation of minerals. Four shopkeepers were also booked by police in Ganderbal and Handwara for violating Covid-19 norms,” police said.
To ensure strict implementation of Corona Curfew and adhering of guidelines issued by Govt in view of Covid19 Pandemic, today SP Handwara Sandeep Gupta visited market Handwara and its adjacent areas and checked naka deployed at different locations of PD. He was accompanied by ASP Handwara Mashkoor Ahmad, SDPO Handwara, Tehsildar Handwara and SHO Handwara.
The special drive against the violators of Covid-19 guidelines and rules continued throughout all the districts of Kashmir Valley to ensure that people adhere to SOPs and guidelines envisaged by government to curb COVID-19 pandemic.
Meanwhile, police urged people to cooperate in containing the spread of Coronavirus by following the SOPs, guidelines and protocols for the safety of the people. “The special drive shall remain continue throughout the districts of Kashmir Valley to strengthen the safety measures,” police said.