KCR extends PM’s ‘janata curfew’ today to 24 hours
Buses, Metro Rail to remain suspended all of Sunday, buses from other states will be stopped at border check posts from 6 am today
Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao on Saturday called on people to observe the “janata curfew” for 24 hours in the to express solidarity with those fighting
Covid-19 in the country. Addressing a press conference at Pragathi Bhavan, the CM said that Telangana state will observe a shutdown for
24 hours starting at 6 am on Sunday. This 24-hour shutdown proposal modifies the call given by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to participate in the ‘janata curfew’ on from 7 am to 9 pm.
He said emergency services and essential commodity outlets will continue to function, including hospitals, medical shops, and petrol pumps. Vendors of vegetables, milk and fruits will also be allowed.
Stating that there will be no restrictions on the media to keep people informed about developments in the state, the Chief Minister directed police not to curtail movements of media personnel.
He appealed to people to observe ‘janata curfew’ with the same spirit they displayed during separate Telangana movement and observe the total shutdown. He urged people to come out at 5 pm, along with the entire nation, and clap in appreciation of medical fraternity, police, sanitation workers and others who are working to keep others safe.
Mr Rao said, “The people of Telangana must stand together and express their solidarity in fighting this virus. We need to take tough decisions during such tough times. Spare 24 hours and stay at home to save the world. It is everyone’s social responsibility,” he emphasised.
The CM announced that the public transport network, including TSRTC, Hyderabad Metro Rail and other public transport services, will remain suspended for 24 hours. Five buses per depot and five Metro trains will be kept ready to meet any eventualities.
He pointed out that buses from other states will be stopped at the inter-state border check posts from Sunday.
Mr Rao said, “We request people to refrain from going out except in emergency. Even in case of emergency, they must maintain a distance of at least a metre from others. People below 10 years and above 60 years are advised not go out of their homes for at least two to three weeks.”
He pointed to the idiom trending on social media pertaining to coronavirus that says Covid-19 has utmost self-respect and it would not enter into the body of anyone without an invitation. The Chief Minister said, “It appears true. Don’t invite it into your bodies. Maintain self-restraint, self-discipline and selfcontrol. These are the only ways to fight the virus best.” 6 am on