Himachal Residents against curfew, vent anger on social media

Bhanu P Lohumi
Tribune News Service
Shimla, November 24

The Cabinet decision to impose night curfew in Shimla, Mandi, Kullu and Kangra districts has not gone down well with residents. They have taken the social media route to express their anger and dismay.

The hill state, which had only three cases and no death when the first lockdown was imposed on March 24, has seen the worst surge, and there were 6,688 active cases and 550 fatalities till November 23.

Most parts of the state are in the grip of severe cold and there is hardly any outdoor human activity at night time. However, the government has imposed curfew in the four worst-affected districts from 8 pm to 6 am till December 15 instead of taking other measures.

“As per the state government, corona is a ghost who comes out at night only, no threat in daytime,” such statements are making rounds on Facebook, WhatsApp and other platforms.

However, the government says night curfew has been imposed as marriages, especially in rural areas, take place at night and in closed areas due to cold. In such cases, community breathing poses a threat.

“With the early arrival of winter, the minimum temperatures are already 3 to 5 degrees below normal and people are avoiding venturing out at night. The decision of the government is just an eyewash,” says an octogenarian.

The casual approach of people during the festive season starting from Karva Chauth to Diwali and tardy implementation of restrictions imposed under the Covid guidelines has resulted in a spurt in fresh cases. On an average, over 10 deaths are being reported in the state every day.

Restrictions should be reimposed on functions such as weddings and political programmes and ministers and other VIPs should restrict their outdoor activities, suggested people on virtual platforms.

“It is unfortunate that while the country is passing through tough times, the state government is planning grand celebrations to mark three years in office. Is the government celebrating the death of 550 persons due to coronavirus?” asked Mukesh Agnihotri, Leader of the Opposition.

CPM MLA Rakesh Singha alleged that the government was deliberately taking controversial decisions to divert the attention of people from serious issues such as the non-availability of oxygen and inadequate healthcare. “The criticism on social media is an indication of the falling graph of the government,” he added.