Lockdown in three districts of Cachar, Karimganj & Hailakandi begins

SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT

SILCHAR: Lockdown in the three districts of Cachar, Karimganj and Hailakandi begins on Thursday with complete shutdown as reports from the district headquarters indicate. Though voices of protests were raised by Congress and AIUDF and some fringe social bodies, the administration had its own way in asserting its decision. It was protested on the ground that the long lockdown declared earlier as per the directive of the Union Home Ministry across the country was observed more in defiance than in compliance. Even the total 2 day weekly shutdown on Saturday and Sunday which still continues was made a mockery by unruly elements with administration and police looking the other way.

But, the announcement about the 9 day long lockdown by the administration to enforce it with stricter restrictions might have its salutary effect. The scenario on roads and bazaars in urban and rural areas was identical till the filing of this report. No vehicle plied. Markets were under lock and key. The only connectivity of the valley with outside world air flights too was suspended. There was no doubt confusion in public about the very announcement on lockdown because the long order issued by the Deputy Commissioners of Cachar, Karimganj and Hailakandi nowhere mentions the word 'lockdown.' But, the message did go offenders would be sternly dealt with. And this is what the senior citizens conveyed in course of their two meetings with the Deputy Commissioner.

The collective decision of Deputy Commissioners, Keerthi Jalli of Cachar, Ambamuthum MP, of Karimganj, and Megha Nidhi Dahal, of Hailakandi, in one voice justified the lockdown to break the chain of community spread of COVID-19 virus which is assuming serious proportion. If the lockdown really breaks it, their decision will be hailed by public. But, the question is, will the people of Barak Valley see total lockdown tomorrow also?

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