Lockdown order at Katigorah Bazar issued & then cancelled leaves people confused

July 14: An order issued by the D. Gogoi Circle Officer & Executive Magistrate of Katigorah Revenue Circle on 13 July created much confusion among the people. Though this order was signed on 13 July, but it came to public domain on 14 July. The order specified that as the number of COVID-19 positive cases are on the rise in Katigorah area, so in the interest of preservation of public health, it is urgently necessary to initiate preventive measure in all the densely populated public places. So in order to contain the further spread of coronavirus, lockdown was declared at Katigorah Bazar area, Niz Katigorah Part-III and Cheragi Bazar area, Niz Katigorah Part-III from 14 July to 18 July, 2020.

The order further specified that movement of vehicles except those on emergency service service duty and opening of shops other than pharmacy are strictly prohibited in the above area. Further, the Officer-in-Charge of Katigorah Police Station was asked to execute this order strictly. However, no attempt was made to make publicity of this order.

On 14 July, as this order kept on changing hands in the social media platforms, people started to become confused. Many started questioning whether the order is genuine or fake. Even the media houses were divided on the authenticity of this order. A few local television channels even made a news item in this regard. Journalists kept on using their sources to ascertain the truth behind this lockdown order. While such a scenario of confusion prevailed, Facebook & WhatsApp users shared this order to such an extent that in no time it became viral in the social media.

Finally, on Tuesday (14 July) night, D. Gogoi Circle Officer & Executive Magistrate of Katigorah Revenue Circle issued a “Cancellation Order” wherein it was stated that, “The order issued vide order No. KCM.10/POLL/2025/ 265, dated 13/07/2020 from this office regarding Lockdown in the Katigorah Bazar area, Niz-Katigorah Pt-III and Cheragi Bazar area, Niz Katigorah Pt-III hereby stands cancelled. This order comes into force with immediate effect.” Though the cancellation order cleared the air, but by then the earlier order had become viral.

When the cancellation order was uploaded by some netizens in the social media, a wave of criticism out-poured against the indecisiveness of the Circle Officer. Many have even raised the question that when people are already tensed due to the rising number of coronavirus positive cases, such type of dual orders add fire to the fuel in spreading confusion among the masses. A retired college teacher on condition of anonymity said, “Such type of indecisiveness on the part of administration is indeed surprising! Before implementing any executive order, the pros and cons should be properly evaluated.” Well, to put it straight, those staying at Katigorah area could be assured that as the earlier order stand cancelled, so atleast there would be no lockdown in their bazar areas as of now.