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Our Correspondent
Kohima, May 21 (EMN): People in Kohima received praises from officials for their co-operation in implementing preventive measures during the initial period of the lockdown, but there was no semblance of discipline on Friday as crowds were seen jostling outside convenience stores and markets during the six-hour marketing window without following safety guidelines.
The Kohima District Task Force had allowed shops selling essential commodities, groceries etc. besides pharmacies to open from 6 am to 12 noon every alternate day and citizens can purchase goods only from their respective colonies or wards during this window.
However, many have complained of citizens openly breaching the lockdown guidelines, especially in the market areas.
During a survey of the state capital on Friday, a crowd was seen gathered outside a shop in New Market colony (Ward 8), rushing to buy pork without maintaining social distancing.
It was informed that customers from in and around Kohima had come to New Market to buy meat.
A similar mad rush was witnessed at several locations on Friday morning, with people openly flouting guidelines issued by the state government.
Interestingly, liquor appeared to be easily available even during the lockdown as people were spotted loitering in the streets after drinking, especially at night, taking advantage of less police personnel.
Two men carrying liquor were shouting at the top of their lungs near Old MLA Hostel at around 8:30 pm on Wednesday.
Police officers on duty also informed Eastern Mirror that there have been many reports of officials from various departments misusing office and official car passes for non-essential movement in the evening.
However, the erring officials were not spared and penalised accordingly, it was informed.
The PRO of Kohima Police informed this newspaper on Friday that about 1200 defaulters have been penalised in Kohima for flouting Covid-19 norms since the containment restrictions and night curfew were imposed on May 6 to curb the spread of the deadly disease.
The state government subsequently imposed an eight-day total lockdown across the state starting from May 14 before it was extended to May 31.
It may be mentioned that several civil society organisations had come forward to implement the lockdown measures and some have expressed the need for strict enforcement as some people continue to flout restrictions.
An official from Association of Kohima Municipal Wards Panchayat (AKMWP) had also told this newspaper that people should not be allowed to come out of their places during total lockdown.
In order to break the chain of Covid-19 transmission, Kohima Village Council (KVC) had declared complete lockdown in its rural areas including BSF camp, Don Bosco College, Kohima College and New Secretariat which fall under its jurisdiction till May 31.
The Kohima Village Youth Organisation (KVYO) had earlier issued a press release stating that there "were many loopholes" in the implementation of lockdown rules and suggested certain measures to ensure success of the total lockdown in the state capital.
The organisation has also come forward to help those in need during the lockdown. People living in Kohima who need help like medical emergency or essential commodities can contact KVYO helpline numbers: 9774008125/ 8731958217.