SHILLONG: Over 20 persons were fined for violating health protocols in Paltan Bazar and Jeep Stand on Thursday.
The Health department, magistrates and police conducted the checks
to ensure that people do not deviate from the protocols as laid down by the government.
Considering the high footfall in these two markets, the crackdown on the violators was appreciated by shopkeepers and pedestrians.
Several people were seen either with masks covering only their chins or without the protective gear.
However, as news of the crackdown spread across the area, the masks returned on people’s faces even as magistrates and police personnel made fervent appeals to adhere to the protocols with utmost seriousness to avoid the spread of novel coronavirus and ensure that people are safe.
A magistrate on duty said that it was up to individuals to take care of their health and officials can only help them to realise this important aspect
Admitting that enforcing law and protocol is not an easy job, some magistrates said that people hardly understand the stress which magistrates and police personnel are under while performing their duties.
“As front-liners, we are exposed and put ourselves and our family members at risk,” a magistrate said while regretting that it is very disheartening to see so many people throwing caution to the wind and even arguing when magistrates point out their violations.
