No private & public vehicles to ply in Assam during lockdown period

March 23: In order to tackle the spread of coronavirus in the state, Assam government has declared complete LOCKDOWN in the state from 6 PM of 24 March, 2020 till 31 March, 2020. During the lockdown, all people shall have to compulsorily remain indoors, except those who are in essential services.. In a media briefing, state health minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma said that under the lock down period no commercial or private vehicles will ply on the road till 31 March. However, emergency services like ambulances will continue to ply on the street. Further, essential service providers will be allowed to remain open.

Transport department has already issued an order to prohibit all inter-state passenger vehicles (i.e. contract carriages, stage carriages, taxi cabs, maxi cabs) to and from Assam, to other States and Union Territories up to March 31, 2020.

For the 1st breach of lockdown, there will be imprisonment for 6 months. But for breach of lockdown for the 2nd time, imprisonment of 2 months will be imposed. Section 270 of IPC would also be invoked, said the minister. Police will arrest anybody on roads after 6 PM of 24 March, baring those who are out for purchasing only groceries and medicine.