Lockdown in Cachar for 9 days from 27 August to 4 September: DC Keerthi Jalli

August 23: After much deliberation, finally lockdown for 9 days has been imposed in Cachar district. In a notification issued by Keerthi Jalli, Deputy Commissioner Cachar cum Chairperson of District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), Cachar on 23 August, it was stated that “This order shall come into force with effect from 5:00 a.m. of 27th August, 2020 and shall remain in force up till 12:00 a.m. (mid-night) of 4th September (09 days), 2020 and will he applicable throughout the district of Cachar.”

In a social media post DC Cachar wrote, “These restrictions as preventive measures were taken keeping in mind the rising trend of symptomatic cases compared to earlier asymptomatic cases. The need for imminent break in the chain of transmission was felt and hence this pre-emptive measure is being taken. Request public to kindly cooperate.”

The order stated that,  “In pursuance of order issued by Chief Secretary. Assam vide Memo No. ASDMA.24/ 2020/Part-1/100 dated 23/08/2020, I, therefore in my capacity as the Chairperson of District Disaster Management Authority, Cachar in exercise of the powers conferred under Section 30(2)(v), of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, do hereby issue the following directives.”

All shops and establishments expect pharmacies will remain shut in Urban areas of Silchar (SDA area), Lakhipur Town, Sonai Town, Katigorah Bazaar, Kalain Bazar, Banskandi Bazar, Dholai Bazar & Borkhola Bazar.

1. All weekly, bi-weekly, daily, morning and evening bazaars/haats will be suspended throughout the district.

2. Standalone shops in rural areas (except in areas designated above) will be allowed to operate between 8:00 AM to 4 PM

3. Back end activities to maintain the supply chain of essential commodities will be allowed at all times.

4. All kinds of public construction work, agriculture and allied activities, activities in tea gardens and all activities and industries requiring continuous processes are allowed.

5. All Government offices and establishments including Banks (public and private), post offices etc. will be allowed to function as usual while following strict Covid protocols. All staff are to attend offices accordingly. All Government related works to continue.

6. Vehicles may be used only for emergency services and for ferrying passengers to and fro from Covid testing centres, exam centres and other such whilst following strict Covid protocols.

7. Students appearing for competitive exams(like JEE/NEET etc) will be allowed free movement upon producing Hall Tickets/ID cards

8. All places of worship shall remain closed for public. No religious congregation will be permitted.

9. All religious/ social/ political gatherings including for sports and entertainment will remain prohibited till further order.

10. These restrictions don’t apply to essential service providers like Hospitals (public and private), diagnostics, labs and other such Covid related duties.

11. Inter-state and intra-state movement of vehicles and goods will need no separate perrnission/ approval/e-permit as issued by MHA under D.0 no 40.3/2020-DM-I(A), dated 22/08.2020

The order further stated that the citizens are encouraged to come for testing at the Covid Counselling and screening Centres across the district where tests for COVID-19 will be carried out every day between 9:30 AM to 4 PM.

The Superintendent of Police shall very strictly enforce the above measures without any dilution as these measures are put in place to avoid dangers to a large group of public. The officers are at liberty to invoke other legal provisions to enforce strict lockdown on being so satisfied of necessity. Any person or establishment violating these directives will be liable to be proceeded against under section 51 to 60 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005 besides legal action under Section 188 of the IPC and other legal provisions as applicable.