From Bhupen Goswami
GUWAHATI : In an effort to control the increasing number of corona infection cases, the Assam government on Tuesday announced night curfew from 8 pm to 5 am with immediate effect. The State Disaster Management Authority in an order said that night curfew will remain in force till May 1. In Assam, 3,137 cases of infection slipped to 2,40,670 while 15 more patients died on Monday. Chief Secretary Jishnu Baruah in his order said, “The situation in Corona in Assam was reviewed, which found that the number of patients (active cases) under corona treatment in the state is increasing rapidly. Therefore, the need to impose night curfew has been felt in all the districts of Assam. During this period, necessary and emergency services will be exempted from it. But people will not be allowed to move during curfew except in case of emergency.
The state government has ordered closure of all markets and shops by 6 pm and made it mandatory for everyone to wear masks. The order said that action under Section 51 to Section 60 of the Disaster Management Act will be taken against those violating the rules. Further, legal action will be taken under section 188 (violation of government servant’s order) of the Indian Penal Code. The order said there will be no restriction on movement or transportation of goods within the State or from one State to another. In a notification, Education Department Commissioner and Secretary Pritam Saikia said that the district administration will shut down all educational institutions and hostels for a fortnight in case of more than 300 cases of corona infection in 10 days in its area.
