| GUWAHATI: Assam Police has requested the state transport department to operate hired taxis to encourage those in need to avail of the service and refrain from using personal vehicles during the lockdown.
This was made known to the media after a meeting between senior police and state home department officials here on Wednesday. Assam director general of police, Bhaskarjyoti Mahanta warned that strict action would be taken against those found using private vehicles during the lockdown which has been extended till May 3, 2020. “We have therefore requested the state government to deploy a limited number of cabs for people to hire during an emergency. It is my humble appeal to the public to refrain from using their private vehicles,” Mahanta said. A helpline will also be opened for senior citizens to seek assistance in case of medical emergencies. “Senior citizens needing any medicine or transport can be served accordingly,” he said. The DGP categorically stated that only vehicles with valid permits would be allowed to ply on the road during the lockdown from now onwards and people violating the norms would face legal action. “The lockdown will be strictly imposed till April 20. Barring exempted categories such as transport of essential items, media and public service delivery, no citizen will be allowed to use their vehicles without any permission from the authorities,” Mahanta said. The DGP however said that post April 20, there would be a review and some restrictions could be relaxed according to the situation. “Social distancing has to be maintained where restrictions have been relaxed, else police will take strict action,” he warned. |
