Disaster Act against violators in Kashmir

nSrinagar:restrictions continued in Srinagar and other areas for the third consecutive day as the government decided to invoke the Disaster Management Act 2005 against peopled who violate restriction orders.

In the city, shops were closed and markets looked deserted and roads were sealed with barbed wire at many places. Pharmacies and grocery shops remained open. Kashmir only has one Covid-19 positive case so far.

People took to social media and warned each other against venturing out as majority of people preferred to stay indoors.

“I have confined myself to a room, watched television and remained in touch with my friends and family members through social media and phone. Most of my friends and their families are doing the same thing because we know this is the only remedy to help prevent the spread of coronavirus,’’ Anil Kumar, who lives at Rajbagh.

Srinagar deputy commissioner Shahid Choudhary said the Disaster Management Act 2005 had been invoked in the city. “Obstructions or refusal to comply entail fine and imprisonment up to two years.’’

He warned officials and people who were not following rules. “Some officers and persons were put on notice today for not complying with the rules. Everyone needs to cooperate.’’

The J&K Wakf Board suspended religious gatherings and displaying of holy relic on the eve of Mehraj-ul-alam celebrations, a festival that usually draws huge crowds. The J&K government on Saturday cancelled gazetted holidays in Srinagar under the Disaster Management Act 2005.

National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah has released ₹1 crore from his MPLAD fund to combat Covid-19.