NCHAC CEM declares lockdown for five days in entire Dima Hasao

A Correspondent

Haflong: The Chief Executive Member of North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council, Debolal Gorlosa declared lockdown in Dima Hasao for 5 days from March 24 to March 28 to prevent possibilities of an outbreak and spread of coronavirus, stated a press release issued by DIPRO, Haflong on Monday.

After a joint meeting by the North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council (NCHAC) and the Dima Hasao district administration, notifications were issued from both the offices for closure for five days in entire Dima Hasao with effect from March 24 till March 28 as a preventive measure to contain the rapid spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus).

An emergency meeting was called by NCHAC Chief Executive Member (CEM) Debolal Gorlosa in presence of Deputy Commissioner Amitabh Rajkhowa and Deputy Superintendent of Police, Surya Kanta Morang and other Executive Members and members of Autonomous Council at the Council Secretariat.

The council authority issued order that all council offices under the normal sector and those under the administrative control of NCHAC would remain closed for five days, except for essential services, urgent nature of works; and all employees will work from home.

Further, after the meeting with the CEM, the Dima Hasao Deputy Commissioner, in exercising power conferred by section 34 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, has also issued order for closure for five days from 6 am of March 24 till 9 pm of March 28. Stating that in order to restrict public gathering and interaction to prevent possibilities of an outbreak and spread of COVID-19 among the citizens of Dima Hasao, all private offices and institutions, business establishments, shops and outlets, weekly or periodical markets and fairs will remain closed and all public and private or commercial vehicles will not be allowed to ply.

Exemptions have, however, been given to district administration and DDMA, health and family welfare, post office, PHE, BSNL, APDCL, police, army, food and civil supplies. The list includes pharmacies, clinical establishments, grocery and essential item shops, petrol pumps, LPG outlets, printing press and vegetable markets subject to maintenance of proper sanitation and hygienic condition.

Also vehicles registered under the district administration, DDMA and related to emergency health services, both government and private, army or military vehicles, paramilitary vehicles, police vehicles, ambulances, goods carrying essential commodities vehicles and any other vehicles related to emergency services are exempted from the stated restrictions. Directives have been given to all officers in-charge of police stations and in-charge of outposts in Dima Hasao for strict vigil and non-compliance of the order will invite penal action under Section 188 of IPC.

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