Uddhav Thackeray warns of another Maharashtra lockdown if violation of rules continue

Uddhav Thackeray, Chief Minister of Maharashtra, says that his government is trying to start the local train services to facilitate the travel of workers involved in essential and emergency services. He also warned that if the residents did not follow the restrictions imposed by the state then he could revoke his orders.

Thackeray said, "We have been demanding for the resumption of the local rail services from the Centre. The hospital staff and other workforce engaged in essential and emergency services are finding it difficult to commute from far off areas to Mumbai. Some of them are not even able to report to the duty. The resumption of the locals is very important for the ease of this workforce."

About a month ago, CM raised the concern of local train to be started only for essential services was raised during a video call with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Thackeray also said that people will have to follow the current restrictions of the lockdown to contain the spread of the virus, if failed to do so then the state might increase the restriction. Currently, Maharashtra has the highest number of coronavirus cases in the country which has already infected over 90,000 people.

Since 22 March, apart from the COVID-19 cases, 124,369 cases were registered in the state under Article 188,  of the Indian Penal Code for violating coronavirus lockdown norms, according to the earlier data released by the Maharashtra Police. According to ANI News Agency, nearly 846 of these suspects were charged in cases of attack on a policeman.

Although relaxations were important for economic recovery, Thackeray said that if the restrictions are not respected, the government might be forced to impose the lockdown again.

Thackeray said, "The lockdown has been extended till June 30 with the relaxations rolled out recently. We were however shocked with the crowding witnessed at some places after the first phase of relaxations under Mission Begin Again came into effect. People of Maharashtra have been cooperating well with the state government, but any type of violation of restrictions will force us to impose the lockdown again."