Srinagar, March 19 (KINS): A day after Kashmir reported its first coronavirus case, government on Thursday imposed restrictions in parts of Srinagar and banned plying of public transport.
To avoid spread of the virus, authorities have imposed section 144 in various parts of Kashmir and also placed restrictions in various parts of Srinagar.
“Restriction imposed in #Srinagar city for containment of any likely spread of #Coronavirus. Medical teams are following SOP. There will be initial problems for a day or so. Adm will ensure effective services & supplies. Pl stay at home. Contact District Control Room for any help,” District Development Commissioner Srinagar Shahid Chowdhary tweeted.
People on Thursday were seen rushing to purchase essentials. Long queues were witnessed at petrol pump stations and ATMs.
However, most shops remained closed in Srinagar.
Regional Transport Office Kashmir has imposed a blanket ban on the transport services in Srinagar and has asked transporters from South, North and Central Kashmir to refrain from entering into Srinagar. The order has been issued in wake of Coronavirus threat.
RTO Kashmir, Ikramul Tak, issued a circular that reads that “to mitigate the transmission of Coronavirus in Jammu and Kashmir, it is hereby ordered that no bus service, mini-bus service, maxi-cab service, auto passenger service shall ply in district Srinagar with immediate effect till further orders”.
The government has banned entry of foreigners, travelers and visitors to Jammu and Kashmir as well as Ladakh to contain the spread of coronavirus.
In a bid to contain coronavirus spread, railway authorities have also ordered the suspension of train services to and fro Banihal to Baramulla till March 31.
Earlier the IGP in the letter to Chief Area Manager, northern railways, Budgam said: “In view of the spread of coronavirus apprehensions in the valley, as a precautionary measure, the Banihal-Baramulla and vice-versa rail service may please be suspended with immediate effect till March 31.”(KINS)
