COVID-19: Govt decides to impose unprecedented lockdown in J&K till March 31

All establishments and services to be shut in 20 districts; DCs directed not to allow assembly of more than 3 persons

Srinagar, March 22 (KNO): Battling the deadly Coronavirus, the government of Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir has decided to shutdown all establishments and services across the Union Territory till March 31.

According to wire service—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the government has directed deputy commissioners to impose strict restrictions in all 20 districts of Jammu and Kashmir UT till March 31.

“The DCs would today issue orders for imposing restrictions in their respective jurisdictions for next 10 days,” they said.

According to directions issued by Chief Secretary B. V. R. Subrahmanyam, all goods vehicles including those carrying essential items shall be allowed to ply during the shutdown period with proper permits and papers issued by the district administration.

“The DCs have also been directed not to allow assembly of more than 3 persons at public places,” sources told KNO. The government has decided to allow only essential commodities and services during the 10-day period.

The J&K government has already declared 16 commodities and services as essential services.

Earlier, the Centre issued an advisory for imposition of lock-down in all 75 districts where COVID-19 positive cases were reported.

Two districts of J&K also figured in the advisory. While three persons have tested positive in Jammu district, one such case has also been detected in Srinagar district.

KNO