Confusion in Mohali over curfew relaxation

Sanjay Bumbroo
Tribune News Service
Mohali, March 24

Confusion prevailed over the curfew restrictions in the town as people thronged the markets to purchase milk and grocery items. The police had a tough time in sending back people to their homes.

District Magistrate Girish Dayalan had issued orders announcing relaxation in curfew from 4 pm to 6 pm. However, the order was later withdrawn to curtail the movement of general public and the administration announced door-to-door supply of essential items.

Excluding the emergency services in hospitals and an exemption to chemist shops, fuel stations, hospitals, all other shops, commercial establishments remained closed in the town.

The police had set up barricades at various entry and exit points to enforce the curfew.

A few people, who had no information about the shutting of petrol pumps, were sent home by the police.

Residents faced problems as they did not get their daily milk supplies and the vegetable vendors were also not allowed to move around the town due to curfew restrictions. Even door-to-door garbage lifting did not take place today.

It is learnt that cops also punished the violators caught at nakas. They were released only after they apologised.

Dayalan said the relaxation was withdrawn after the Chief Minister had ordered universal module to be followed in the entire state for providing groceries, vegetables, milk products to the residents during the curfew. He said they were now formulating the strategies to ensure door-to-door delivery of groceries, vegetables, milk products and medicines in Mohali.