Self-imposed lockdowns will save lives: Raman Suri
JAMMU, April 23: “Enhanced COVID-19 testing facilities at Lakhanpur coupled with self-imposed lockdowns by traders and shopkeepers of various Bazars/Markets in Jammu and people’s positive response to Government guidelines on market schedules are proving to be a shield against the virus which is in its second wave and causing much harm to the lives of people. Despite surge in COVID-19 cases and subsequent deaths in Jammu and Kashmir, the measures put in place are being followed religiously which will prove to be a boon for people”.
This was stated by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) J&K Executive Member Raman Suri, who is also the President of Sarafa Association Jammu and has given a call for self-imposed lockdown of the Sarafa Bazar on rotational basis. He also appreciated representatives of Ware House-Nehru Market and adjoining markets besides Kanak Mandi traders for observing self-imposed weekend lockdown to help administration contain the spread of virus and flatten its graph so that all business activities and people’s movements could return to normal in the shortest possible time span.
This move, he added, has come at a time when the entire nation is dealing with COVID-19 crisis but Jammu traders and businessmen have shown responsibility in coming forward and imposing lockdowns to lessen crowd in the markets. In addition to this move, the Government guidelines issued are being followed by people as well as the business community in Jammu religiously, which is why there are still less cases coming out in the region, he said, adding that we need to stretch these measures for some more time and flatten the graph of COVID-19.
Raman Suri said, enhanced vaccination facilities in Government hospitals, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha’s market guidelines, COVID-19 checks at Lakhanpur, market regulations, home deliveries by restaurants and eateries and people’s positive response are all adding to business community’s self-imposed lockdowns. He also informed that those feeling the pinch of these regulations must understand that regulated opening of markets is far better than complete lockdowns or curfews. At least people are able to fulfil their needs and business community is doing its trading or manufacturing while also helping Government in the fight against pandemic.
Raman Suri urged the Government to also lessen the movement of government staff so that more measures are added to the already imposed restrictions on the market. He said, since educational institutions are shut, the teaching community must also be asked to attend their institutions on a rotational basis. Similarly, staff in all government offices except essential services should also be asked to attend offices on a rotational basis.
Raman Suri said that Corona Curfew at night extended to Municipal/Urban Local Body limits of all 20 districts of Jammu and Kashmir, appeal by Mayor Jammu Municipal Corporation Chander Mohan Gupta and DDC Chairman Jammu Bharat Bhushan to get vaccinated and follow COVID-19 guidelines besides Government declaring micro-containment zones are all enough measures that need to be stretched till we win over the deadly Coronavirus.
