Lockdown 3.0: Deserted streets, curfew begins at Silchar along with rest of Assam

May 04: The outbreak of coronavirus pandemic and the subsequent lockdown has brought life to a standstill. With the declaration of the third phase of lockdown some activities were allowed in the green zones. After almost 45 days, the streets of Silchar witnessed activity, but even then life never seemed to be the same as before. A sense of fear gripped people and seems to haunt them every now and them. Although there was another lot who seemed to make a mockery of all rules and regulations.

On the 1st day of Lockdown 3.0 on 4 May, Silchar witnessed at least three types of people. Those who were too cautious, wore face masks and religiously maintained social distancing. The second lot though wore masks but by the time when found some acquaintances on the street or inside any shop became unaware thereby coming in too close range with whom they interacted.

The last lot were those who exhibited a damn care attitude to all government advisories and norms. It was the last lot who even during Lockdown 1.0 & 2.0 violated all norms and went on roaming around in the streets morning, noon & night, thereby risking their own lives as well as that of the society.

This group of people also were seen to be involved in pillion riding with 2 persons behind their two-wheelers. Some such people even laughed at those wearing face masks. They made a complete mockery of the concept of social distancing. Many were even seen during the month of April to go out every morning from one part of the town to another in order to purchase fish and meat. Well, though its no crime to eat fish and meat, but violating guidelines of lockdown and roaming about every day is surely a matter of risk not only for themselves but also for the entire society.

Silchar on 4 May witnessed much activities on the streets. Shops also opened even before the Deputy Commissioner of Cachar could notify which shops to be kept open as per one-third formula devised by Assam government. Debating the ‘life’ versus ‘livelihood’ aspect would probably lead us nowhere like the ‘egg first’ or ‘hen first’ issue. Life seems to be important but without livelihood, life would become lifeless. At this critical juncture, a harmonious blend of life and livelihood is perhaps what would save billions from passing onto nothingness. But livelihood not at all at the cost of life is what needs to be ensured.

With the fall of dusk, once again the empty streets of the town made us remember that all is not well with our earth. After a day full of activity in the green zone, all streets gave a deserted look the moment the clock struck 6 PM. Night curfew captivated all inside their houses, except that third lot of people who still now is busy playing hide and seek with police. Hope the dark, lifeless nights will soon pass away and make our planet soon cured of the deadly coronavirus.