Lockdown in Cachar? It’s only a routine proposal forwarded to govt: ADC

August 7: A letter written by Deputy Commissioner, Cachar cum Chairperson, District Disaster Management Authority, Keerthi Jalli to the Chief Secretary, Government of Assam on 7 July wherein she has proposed for lockdown in the district has become viral in social media since Friday afternoon. The letter is based on the proposal made by some market associations of Fatak Bazar, Silchar.

As per the letter of DC Cachar, “A meeting was called on 7th August,2020 by Hon’ble MP, chaired by Hon’ble Minister attended by MLA Silchar, MLA Katigorah & MLA Borkhola representative and Superintendent of Police, Cachar. The honourable members desired for a lockdown in the district to stem the inflow of positive cases. They suggested that Saturday and Sunday dated 8th & 9th, August be permitted for citizens to stock their homes & lockdown be announced from 10th to 13th August, 2020 (4 days) with relief on 14th and 15th August and to continue.”

The letter sent to the state government further mentioned the prevalent scenario of Silchar Medical College & Hospital (SMCH) as regards management of COVID-19 cases. The letter stated, “Silchar Medical College which caters to entire Barak Valley is facing problems with bed shortage, as they are treating symptomatic patients. SMCH Bed capacity currently is 270, occupied by 240 & ICU capacity is 14, occupied by 14.”

DC Jalli also mentioned that, “In the last ten days, the number of positive cases in Cachar District has seen a rapid increase and for the first time in Barak Valley total cases in the last ten days Is around 985. The average number of cases per day is around 98 these days.” It is in this backdrop that the Deputy Commissioner wrote to the Chief Secretary, Government of Assam that the “Request by Merchant Associations & all others may be considered for further instructions.”

Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC Health), Sumit Sattawan accepted that the letter was in fact written by DC Cachar but “This is mere forwarding of a proposal. When we receive any matter, we forward it to the government for consideration with facts. The government may or even may not accept the proposal.” He further said that such type of proposals are routine affairs. Any proposal from the public has to be sent to the government for necessary directions. The present letter is also one such routine proposal forwarded to the government for consideration and is nothing more than that. DDC JR Lalsim also echoed the same views as that of ADC Sattawan. She categorically stated that the district administration has not proposed any lockdown. It is just forwarding of a proposal.

Suman Choudhury, District Media Expert said, “There is a rumour going on about lockdown in Cachar district from Monday. But till now, no such decision of lockdown has been taken. Actually, some merchants association gave  proposal to the Deputy Commissioner suggesting for lockdown in Cachar. It is in this context that a proposal was sent to the government. The decision of imposing lockdown rests completely with the state government and no such decision has been made till now. ”