A resounding thanks to Covid fighters

Tribune News Service

Jammu, March 22

People came on their rooftops and balconies at 5 pm toady beating utensils, ringing bells and burning crackers to show solidarity with the forces working on ground zero to fight the deadly Covid-19 .

Earlier, throughout the day the residents stayed in their homes and virtually no one was seen on the roads and even within the mohallas as everyone obeyed ‘Janata Curfew’.

Exactly at 5 pm people came out on roofs with utensils, horns etc and started making loud sounds to send the message across to those waging a valiant fight against Covid-19.

“We feel proud in sending a strong message to all medicos, journalists, police and the Army, who are fighting on roads to help us stay safe and healthy. This a small gesture of gratitude for them”, said Shalini Sharma who was clanging thalis to convey the message.

After obeying Janata Curfew in totality, people in Jammu say they are prepared for a long lockdown to defeat Corona virus.

“Our Jammu observed total lockdown during Amarnath land row and we are well prepared to fight Covid-19 also if our Prime Minister feels that we should stay home for more days to defeat the pandemic,” said Upainder Krishan, a resident of Sarwal .

A woman who seemed tired while clapping from her rooftop said she can stay all night in this solidarity to save the humanity.

She also conveyed message to people in her neighbourhood to obey the advisories to make the country safe from the disease.

Meanwhile, some homes also took to conducting havans and prayers to save the mankind. Entire Jammu city wore a festive look as hundreds and thousands of people came on the rooftops and wished good luck to each other.

Only a few police cops and people associated with essential services were out on the roadsduring the curfew hours today. To fully impose the curfew, the district administration had also closed many roads with barbed wires. However, the presence of people on roads was marginal. None of the shops, except medical stores, were open in the town on Sunday.

“It is a self-imposed curfew by the people on the appeal of the Prime Minister. Though we are prepared to impose it, people have quarantined themselves at their homes on their own,” said a police official on duty in Jammu.

“We are amazed that no one has come out even out of curiosity, as experienced in the past,” he added.

Keeping themselves and others safe, people enjoyed their Sunday at home with their families and saluted those engaged in providing essential services by beating thalis, drums and clapping.

“The least we can do to fight this deadly virus is to stay at home and appreciate the work is being done by the health workers, doctors, administration, police, media and other employees who are out of their homes for our convenience,” said Rohit Gupta, a businessman.

“We are facing losses due to the lockdown, but I think it should be extended for a few more days for the safety of people,” he added.

Social media and Television played a vital role in the success of Janta curfew in Jammu, as most of the people were forwarding messages to stay indoors and also making others aware of the deadly effects of the corona virus.