New lockdown measures condemned

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, April 16

Student and youth bodies of the city have condemned the re-imposition of lockdown by the Chandigarh Aadministration.

Releasing a joint statement on behalf of Naujwan Bharat Sabha (NBS) and Punjab Students Union (Lalkaar), Manavjot said by introducing lockdown on weekend, the UT Administration has reminded the city workers of the horrific days of the last year.

Last year’s lockdown ruined the businesses of millions of people, took away the livelihoods of day labourers and street-hawkers and caused severe loss to the students, read the joint statement.

It further stated: “Tens of thousands of migrants who returned to UP, Bihar were forced to walk on foot hundreds of kilometers back to their homes. Even last year’s losses have not been reimbursed yet and the administration has again imposed a lockdown.”

Amandeep Singh, a student leader from PSU (Lalkaar), said according to many experts and scientists, lockdown was not a cure for any such viral disease.

Last year too, the lockdown was not a gain but a major loss, he said.

This loss was not only economic and social but also made it very difficult for many patients to get treatment for other diseases, Amandeep added.

“With lockdown for the people, on one hand, the rulers, on the other hand, are holding huge election rallies in Bengal and other states, and the Kumbh Mela is also going on in Haridwar. All of this shows that other interests are being served under the pretext of corona,” Amandeep alleged.

The youth leaders said that if the government thinks that by imposing such a lockdown it would end the ongoing struggle against agricultural laws or further pass any other anti-people decision, it was their fallacy.

“The people are not at all ready to tolerate these corona bans anymore, and in future, these deadly restrictions will be resolutely opposed by the people. At the same time we appeal to all the democratic organisations, youth, market associations and all justice loving people of Chandigarh to raise their voice against these restrictions,” read the statement.

NBS, PSU (Lalkar) joint statement

• On the one hand governments are imposing lockdown for the people, but on the other hand election rallies are being held in Bengal and other states, and the Kumbh Mela is also going on in Haridwar. All of this shows that other interests are being served under the pretext of corona.
• The people are not at all ready to tolerate these corona bans anymore, and in future, these deadly restrictions will be resolutely opposed by the people.