Assam: Crowds Throng Kokrajhar Market to Grab Essentials Ahead of Lockdown

Kokrajhar, March 24, 2020:

The Kokrajhar market has registered record footfall and sales on Tuesday as people went on a shopping spree of essentials ahead of the lockdown in Assam that begins at 6 PM.

People started pouring in the market since Tuesday morning. Crowds were mainly busy buying potatoes, onions and other vegetables in bulk that could last for at least seven days. Buyers were also seen haggling over the prices and quantity.

It may be mentioned here that crowds began to build up in the market area of Kokrajhar even though there was an announcement made that the grocery stores and other essentials will remain open and people would be able to buy what they need.

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However, ahead of the seven-day lockdown in Assam, Kokrajhar residents dis not want to take the risk and therefore visited the market in huge numbers.

"I bought potatoes, ridged gourd, and other leafy vegetables. I have bought all that we would need for 5-6 days. Since there is lockdown, the shops might remain closed," said a local.

Talking about the coronavirus, he said, "We will have to keep safe and isolated." The most common apprehension among the buyers was -- “Will the store remain open during lockdown?"

"We must observe lockdown strictly to prevent the spreading coronavirus. The government has initiated good steps for citizens to make free from virus", said another local in the Kokrajhar market.

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It may be mentioned here that Assam has decided to go into lockdown mode from March 24 (6 PM) till the midnight of March 31. It has decided to shun all operations barring essential activities.

Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma informed that disregarding the stringent laws could land one in prison for 6 months (during initial arrest) and 2 years (for a second violation).

He said, "The public cannot come out of their residences. Only on extreme emergency, one can come out. Violation of this lockdown will land you in prison for six month in the initial phase."

The Health Minister urged the public to ensure that their relatives coming from outside stay at home for fourteen days. “Please ensure that they don’t violate isolation protocol. Stamps will be their identification. Police will arrest them if they violate it,” he said.

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From March 24 evening till March 31, all Inter-state movements, international flights and trains will remain suspended. Private vehicles will also not be allowed to ply on the roads. State borders will also be sealed to suspend movements along these areas.

“Domestic flights will be restricted. Indian Railways will remain completely shut. The last train from outside to Assam will be allowed tomorrow (March 24) last. However, treasury office, banks and ATMs will remain open since these fall under essential services,” said Sarma.

During the lockdown, grocery, pharmacies and petrol pumps will be open. Except these, all shops and services, educational institutions be it private or public will remain closed. Emergency services like medical, financial, fire brigade, electricity will also remain open for the public."

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