Two-week lockdown in Guwahati kicks in

Kangkan Kalita | TNN | Jun 29, 2020, 09:01 IST

People in Guwahati gather outside shops to buy essentials on Sunday

GUWAHATI: The 14-day lockdown in Guwahati began from 7 pm on Sunday and will continue till 6 pm of July 12.
As police and the administration geared up to impose the lockdown in Guwahati, which has seen a significant rise in Covid-19 cases, many people rushed to the city markets to buy essential items. The bus terminals too were overcrowded as people flocked to return home.
“Police personnel will be very vigilant during this time. The traffic police, paramilitary forces will all be there all along this lockdown period. CCTV cameras and drones will be used to identify violators,” Guwahati police commissioner MP Gupta told TOI on Sunday evening.
Police are closely working in tandem with Kamrup (Metropolitan) district administration in Guwahati to enforce the lockdown in letter and spirit. Apart from the movement of people on essential duties, including the limited number of government staff, the returnees from other states will be allowed to enter the city only after showing their flight and train tickets.
“In order to contain the spread of the virus, we appeal to the public to remain indoors, unless it is a medical emergency. We are enforcing this lockdown in Guwahati very strictly. Cases will be registered against the violators under various sections of the IPC and Disaster Management Act. They will face arrest,” he cautioned.
Apart from the officials on emergency duty, only three categories of people — air passengers, train passengers and patients — will get an exemption only after showing valid documents, Gupta said.
With over 900 Covid-19 cases, Kamrup (Metropolitan) is at the top of the tally of positive cases in Assam to date, while the number of Covid-19 deaths touched 11 in Assam on Sunday, with one more death reported from Guwahati city on Sunday.
Among the prohibited activities during the lockdown, the commercial establishments, shops and trade activities in Kamrup (Metropolitan) district will remain closed. Besides, all public public transport services will remain suspended.