By Choekyi Lhamo
DHARAMSHALA, MAR 16: Kangra destrict imposed Section 144 in Kangra district amidst coronavirus (Covid- 19) scare, reports The Tribune. Rakesh Prajapati, Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Kangra, announced the change of regulation on Sunday; any gathering of four or more persons at one place becomes an act of violation by law.
The DC said that the order had been issued following the government’s ban to gatherings. The government announced yesterday the closure of all schools and colleges till the end of March.
The district has many temples, including the Dalai Lama temple, which face a challenge after Section 144 imposition as the pilgrims come from neighbouring states in large vehicles. There will be checking at the border where police will either stop them or charge them for violating section 144.
The administration was likely to put check posts outside the temples, like the famous Bajjreshwari temple, to isolate people suffering from flu or virus symptoms. It had come to their notice that some people, who had come from abroad, were not sharing their travel details before the administration.
The alleged people would be persecuted under Section 270 of Indian Penal Code (IPC). The administration informs of challenges faced due to marriage gatherings. It would try to encourage people to use hand sanitizers and masks during such events or gathering.
The Tibetan Parliament in Exile (TPiE) announced today that they will hold one-day parliament session instead of 10-day meeting due to the pandemic outbreak worldwide. The Tibetan spiritual leader has cancelled all the meetings for the same. Both Tibetan and Kangra administration has taken measures to prevent the virus from coming to the district. No coronavirus case has been detected in Kangra so far.
One Response
This may have been reported by the Tribune, but are you able to confirm that it is accurate? All the other newspapers I’ve seen reference the Tribune article only. But the most recent Kangra government website notices, including the section 144 notice make no mention of it. They simply say ‘fairs, festivals, etc… which result in a large gathering of people.’
So should we believe the notices put out by the Dictrict Magistrate himself, or voices from the noise-chamber of the news media?