Residents seal villages in view of rising Covid cases

PK Jaiswar
Tribune News Service
Amritsar, April 9

As the coronavirus is spreading its tentacles in the state, 80 per cent of the villages in rural areas have sealed their entry and exit points to restrict the movement of outsiders in the village.

“The step was taken to check the spread of the disease as cases of coronavirus are rising in Punjab,” said Lakhbir Singh, sarpanch of Kohali village. He said the village had four entry and exit points and all had been sealed. “We are not allowing any outsider in the village. Only the labourers working in the brick klin or in fields, who are known faces in the village, are allowed to come and go,” he added.

Echoing the sentiments, Bhatti, sarpanch of Ram Tirath village, said they were with the people and the government in their fight against the virus. “We know in these difficult times and it is difficult to keep people indoors. But we are appealing to the people to abide by the curfew restrictions, stay at their homes and avoid venturing outside their houses without any exigency,” he said.

The Rural police have appreciated the village panchayats for taking the step. After locking down the villages, the village panchayats are submitting certificates to the police department. The police officials have appreciated their steps and motivated them to fight the deadly virus.

“There are 813 villages in the Amritsar rural belt and 80 per cent of them had sealed their entry and exit points on their own,” said SSP Vikram Jeet Duggal, adding that a couple of policemen would also be deputed if the need arose.

“It is commendable that people and village panchayats have come forward on their own in this regard. This means they understand the crisis and are ready to help the police, the administration and the government in stopping the virus from spreading,” he said.

Gagarmal village sarpanch Surjit Singh said ration and other essential goods were being distributed on the doorstep while langar was also being arranged for needy people. He said if anyone needed anything in the village, the panchayat would provide the desired items on their doorstep but no outsider would be allowed in the village.

Join Whatsapp Channel of The Tribune for latest updates.