The government Saturday decided not to implement the Government of India’s (GoI) directions to open standalone shops in the Valley, stating that the move could prove detrimental owing to too many red zones.
Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, P K Pole told Rising Kashmir that there are a large number of red zones in the Valley.
“Separate directions from the Health department will come shortly,” Pole said.
The government has identified at least 90 red or containment zones in J&K, 76 of which fall in Kashmir.
Ministry of Home Affairs Friday night allowed the opening of neighbourhood and standalone shops including those located in residential complexes within municipal areas.
However, no shops would be permitted to open in hotspots and containment zones.
Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Shahid Chaudhary and Mayor Junaid Mattu also expressed their dissatisfaction with the opening of shops in the city. “Our order dated 15 April is in force,” Choudhary told.
As per the April 15 order, only essential service are allowed during the lockdown.
Choudhary took to micro-blogging site Twitter and shared the map of red zones of Srinagar district to explain the decision of not implementing MHA orders.
“New MHA order allows local authorities to take a call as per the situation. See the COVID-19 map of Srinagar and think. We’ve 5 new cases after break of more than a week. Trust us for all your needs. Local solutions being worked out. Situation calls for more caution (sic),” Choudhary tweeted.
There are currently 15 red zones in Srinagar that include Ahmad Nagar, Nowshehra, Lal Bazar, Hawal, Eidgah, Goripora, Watal Kadal, Chattabal, Khayam, Bemina Iqbalabad and Bakshiabad, Bemina Housing Colony Sector ‘C’, Bemina MIG Colony, Bemina Mansoor Colony and Boatman Colony, Tengpora Batamaloo, Hyderpora, Lasjan Soiteng, Natipora, Jawahar Nagar, and Brein Nishat.
Mattu said the existing restrictions in Srinagar would continue unaltered.
“The existing restrictions in #Srinagar lockdown will continue un-altered. @srinagaradmin, @listenshahid will clarify on this as and when required. Continue to #StayHome – adhere to and also help enforce the lockdown through social cooperation and consciousness (sic),” Mattu tweeted.
