Photo by Haamid Bala
Kashmir was put under severe lockdown for fifth consecutive day on Monday to prevent the spread of Covid-19, the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway has also been closed for public transport.
The lockdown was imposed across the valley by police and paramilitary forces and movement of people was restricted. Joint parties of police and paramilitary forces erected barricades and blocked the roads with razor wire.
The lockdown was imposed in all districts of central Kashmir, northern and southern Kashmir. Only the people associated with essential services were allowed to move after checking their identity cards.
Markets across the valley were shut and public transport was off the roads, train services have already been suspended.
Educational institutions across Kashmir have already been closed, while all public places including gymnasiums, parks, clubs and restaurants have been shut down.
Restrictions were first imposed in many parts of the valley on Thursday to contain the spread of the virus.
Police vans fitted with public address systems urged the people to stay inside.
In a video released by police on Twitter, officers using drones were urging people to cooperate. “The cure for coronavirus disease is your cooperation. Please stay indoors for your own safety and of your family,” the officer said in the message relayed by the drone.
In Srinagar, the drones were used near the iconic Ghanta Ghar (Clock Tower) at Lal Chowk which has been completely sealed as part of the lockdown announced by the administration.
Meanwhile, Srinagar-Jammu National Highway has been closed for public transport. “There will be only movement of vehicles carrying essential commodities on NHW-44,” traffic police officials said in a statement.
Mughal Road and Srinagar-Leh highway is closed due to accumulation of snow.
