Srinagar, May 15 (GNS): Normal life remained affected in Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday for the eighteenth day running due to lockdown in the wake of surge in coronavirus cases, officials said.
Police and paramilitary forces kept barricades on roads at many places in Srinagar as well as in other district headquarters of the Valley and the Jammu region to prevent the movement of people. However, essential and emergency services are allowed, the officials added.
Most of the shops, and other business establishments remained shut while public transport was off the roads.
Recently, the curfew has been imposed with strictness with police allowing only limited vehicles to move.
In view of the alarming surge in daily cases across the Kashmir Valley, Police said to have enhanced the efforts to implement the Covid-19 guidelines, SOPs and restrictions strictly throughout the valley, a police spokesman said.
“During last 24 hours, Police has arrested 137 persons, lodged 70 FIRs and also realized fine to the tune of Rs 128,480 from 874 people for violating the guidelines/rules throughout Kashmir valley,” a police spokesman said in a statement to GNS.
Besides, he said, six vehicles were also seized in Bandipora for violating guidelines/restrictions.
In Ganderbal, he said, Police party led by SHO Police Station Safapora along with Executive Magistrate Lar while enforcing restrictions in Safapora area found 12 shopkeepers violating the guidelines issued by the district administration. “Accordingly all the 12 shops were sealed on spot.”
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/ guidelines envisaged by government to curb COVID-19 pandemic, he said.
“Community members are once again requested to cooperate with the Police in containing the spread of Coronavirus by following the SOPs/ guidelines/ protocols for the safety of the people,” he said, adding, “The special drive shall remain continue throughout the districts of Kashmir Valley to strengthen the safety measures.”(GNS)
