Medical stores, essential services to remain open
TURA: With the state government announcing two-day statewide shutdown from Tuesday, strict guidelines were put in place in Garo Hills on Monday for stringent action against anyone violating the shutdown, which the government mooted on Sunday to check against possible outbreak of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in the state.
The administration in the five districts of Garo Hills, on the other hand, has permitted only pharmacies and medical stores to remain open while providing a window solely for the transport of essential commodities to check against shortages.
In the light of some people violating a lockdown on Saturday by organising picnics, hiking and visits to streams and river banks despite medical appeal for social distancing to check against infection, the administration has now decided to come down hard on such people who break the law.
Police in Garo Hills have been directed to ensure strict implementation of the rules during the current situation and violators, who refuse to comply with the law, will be booked under regulatory orders related to curb the COVID-19.
Violation of the promulgated government order will lead to arrest under Section 188 of the IPC which is a cognizable but bailable.
Those negligently carrying out any act known to be likely to spread infection of any disease dangerous to life will be booked under Section 269 IPC which will lead to imprisonment for six months or fine, or both (cognizable, bailable).
Those malignantly performing any act known to be likely to spread infection of any disease dangerous to life will be imprisoned for two years, or fine, or both (cognizable, bailable) under Section 270 IPC.
Anyone, who knowingly disobeys any quarantine rule, will face imprisonment for six months, or fine, or both (Non-cognizable) under Section 271 IPC.
With COVID-19 claiming over 15,000 lives and infecting over 3.40 lakh globally, India is preparing for any eventuality as it has beefed up all its resources to check the spread of the pandemic.
Private vehicle
movement restricted
Meanwhile, the state transport department has prohibited the inter-district movement of all private vehicles from March 24 to 31 as part of the measures put in place to check against possible COVID-19 infection. An order to this effect was given on Monday in all the districts of Garo Hills by their respective deputy commissioners.
Visits to riverside banned
Local community leaders, residing in the Ganol river region of West Garo Hills, has issued an order prohibiting people from visiting the riverside for recreation during the restriction against coronavirus infection. On Saturday, during the state lockdown, dozens of people were found violating orders and heading to the riverside for picnics and relaxation much to the frustration of the authorities.
GHADC closed down
The Garo Hills Autonomous district Council has been closed till March 31 as part of measures to prevent coronavirus outbreak. However, the officers and staff have been asked to be available round the clock for any emergencies.
Roster duties with reduced staff
The West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner, in pursuance of the government directive, has directed all the heads of the line departments in the district to reduce work force and accordingly prepare roster as part of the precautionary measures against the spread of COVID-19. The orders will remain in force till April 3.