Lockdown a necessity: Urban Affairs Minister

SHILLONG: Urban Affairs Minister Hamlet Dohling has endorsed the decision of the state Cabinet to extend the 21-day lockdown till April 30, asserting that if the lockdown is not extended all the efforts made to contain the spread of COVID-19 in the state will be in vain.
Pointing out to the hue and cry over the lockdown and the sanctions imposed on citizens, Dohling admitted that there were difficulties but added that the situation was critical and people should understand the same and cooperate with the authorities so as not to aggravate the problem at hand.
Speaking on the impact of the lockdown in his department, Dohling said that the department has been severely hit and several projects have been stalled.
Giving an update on the situation in his constituency (Mylliem), Dohling said most of the citizens have been complaining about lack of food grains.
He also informed that he has made arrangements to distribute essential items among residents of 36 localities in his constituency out of the funds sanctioned by the government.