Night curfew clamped in Cachar due to rise in COVID-19 cases

April 27 : In a bid to check spread of COVID-19, the Assam government has imposed night curfew in the entire state from tonight. The same will be also followed at Cachar district. The restrictions will come into effect at 8 pm daily and will remain in place till 5 am.

The state disaster management authority, in its order, said the curfew will be in place till May 1. “The COVID-19 situation in Assam has been reviewed… It has been observed that there has been a rapid increase in the number of active cases of COVID-19 across the state….and therefore, it is felt that night curfew needs to be imposed in all districts of Assam, except for essential and emergency activities/services,” the order signed by Chief Secretary Jishnu Barua said.

The order, however, exempted people involved in providing emergency services at medical establishments, police forces, prisons, fire brigade, district administrations, and public transport and other offices. Judicial officers and staff of courts, all passengers with valid tickets, journalists and people out to get their vaccine doses have also been kept out of the curfew”s ambit.

People involved in banking, insurance and ATM work, internet service broadcasting and people involved in cable service will also get the exemption. In addition, among others, those involved in petrol pumps, LPG, etc. have been given exemption. Also, movement of people for providing essential services and commodities like groceries, fruits, vegetables, milk, meat and fish, fodder and medicines won”t be restricted.

However, those who have been exempted will have to carry a valid identity card. Violators of the order will be prosecuted under sections 51 to 60 of the Disaster Management Act 2005 and section 144 of the IPC.