‘Janta curfew’: Citizens’ gratitude ring loud

Our Reporter
Dimapur, March 22 (EMN): As the clock struck five on Sunday evening, what sounded like firecrackers erupted around the neighbourhoods in Dimapur town as the banging of steel plates (thalis) and clapping filled the eerie silence that had earlier pervaded the afternoon.

“For the first time, I felt what the words ‘to serve’ truly meant. I want to thank and appreciate all the front liners (medical workers and government officials) of our state and the country, who are fighting for us,” said Tokivi Awomi from Dimapur as he, along with his other friends, clapped his hands in gratitude.

Awomi said that it was special for him as this had nothing to do with religion or politics, proving that humanity comes first.

Another Naga youth, M Honli Konyak from Kohima, while speaking to Eastern Mirror said she now feels stronger; stating that there was a spirit and feeling of oneness among the different sections of people.

She said that along with members of her family, she had clapped for minutes, to show and express love and gratitude to those fighting tirelessly to contain the virus.

“I believe we can fight this together through proper awareness and precautionary measures,” Konyak said.

Another youth from Dimapur, who did not wish to be named, said that his minute-long clap was for ‘those souls who were staying up late, tirelessly working shift after shift, to contain the outbreak and to make India free from coronavirus’.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s proposed ‘janata curfew’, as a preventative measure to contain the outbreak of Covid-19, came into action from 7 am to 9 pm on March 22, which witnessed a total shutdown in almost every part of India.

People remain indoors in Kohima

Our Correspondent
Kohima, March 22 (EMN): People remained indoors as Kohima town wore a deserted look during the morning and afternoon hours on Sunday, following the ‘janta curfew’ proposed by the prime minister and the directives given to churches to suspend Sunday services temporarily  in the wake of the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.

However, some of the churches in and around Kohima kept their doors open as church goers were seen coming out on the streets after attending the weekly services.

Roadside vendors and bakeries remained closed; traffic was unusually light and a small number of pedestrians were spotted in town.