Tribune News Service

Srinagar, March 22

The UT administration on Sunday ordered shutdown of J&K beyond the ‘janata curfew’ to contain the spread of Covid.

The decision follows the announcement of declaring 16 services and commodities as essential, which can remain open during the curbs.

“In view of the need to prevent the spread of Coronavirus and to break the transmission chain, it is necessary to enforce social distancing, i.e. prevent/ minimize close contact between people,” reads Chief Secretary BVR Subrahmanyam’s order to all deputy commissioners.

Subrahmanyam directed the DCs to shutdown all establishments and services in the UT, except those essential.

“The DCs shall issue orders under Section 144 CrPC and also under the Disaster Management Act 2005 to shutdown all establishments except those providing essential commodities/services in their district from 8 PM Sunday, March 22, till 6 pm Tuesday, March 31,” he said.

The department of food civil supplies and consumer affairs also issued a list of 16 essential services and commodities, which include groceries, fresh fruits and vegetables, petrol and diesel at pumps, milk and dairy products, medicines and other pharmaceuticals, banks and ATMs, and newspapers.

“All goods vehicles, including those carrying essential items, shall be allowed to ply during the shutdown period with proper permits and passes issued by the administration, which will make necessary arrangements for this purpose,” Subrahmanyam said.

The Chief Secretary said the district administration would also make appropriate arrangements for persons engaged in providing essential services to travel to their place of work without hindrance.

The DCs have also been directed to restrict all assemblies of more than 3 persons at public places and ensure strict implementation of these instructions with immediate effect.

The administration has asked the divisional commissioner to monitor for compliance.