Lukewarm response to ‘Janata Curfew’ on Day 1
| Date :20-Sep-2020 |
The picture of Badkas Chowk on Saturday, reflected that the appeal of ‘Janata Curfew’ received a mixed response on Day One. Some shops were open, some were closed. People also ventured out of their homes, albeit in a lesser-than-usual number. (Pic by Satish Raut)
Staff Reporter :
Mayor appeals to people to exhibit self-discipline on Sunday also, to break the chain of COVID-19 and in the interest of health of their family members
Even as COVID-19 cases continue to rise in the city, an unfortunate political divide was witnessed on Saturday. Sandip Joshi, Mayor, had appealed to the people to observe ‘Janata Curfew’ on weekend and also observe self-restraint to break the chain of spread of COVID-19. However, it received lukewarm response, for want of administrative support and appropriate across-the-board political willingness. In various parts of the city, shops remained closed. However, there were many shops that remained open through the day. In areas like Kalamna, most of the wholesale merchants kept their establishments closed. In areas like Gokulpeth, West High Court, Khamla, Sitabuldi, Badkas Chowk etc, there was less-than-usual rush of people and several shops remained closed.
There was police bandobast in many public places, to avoid any untoward incident. Nuisance Detection Squad of Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) also was in action at various points including Trimurti Nagar Square, and fined people violating the norms relating to face-masks. Following a meeting with elected representatives and traders, the Mayor had appealed to the people to observe ‘Janata Curfew’ on September 19-20 and September 26-27. However, soon after the appeal was floated, divisions among political leaders of different hues came to fore.
The social media messages circulated by supporters of various political parties reflected the political divide. The leaders and workers of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), to which the Mayor belongs, expressed support to ‘Janata Curfew’. But, there were other social media posts too that called ‘Janata Curfew’ as not having sanction of State Government led by Shiv Sena, Nationalist Congress Party, and Congress. Some social media posts also appealed to the traders and people to call the police ‘if some miscreants pressed to keep the shops closed’.
As a matter of precaution, the cops also issued an advisory stating that ‘Janata Curfew’ was voluntary and it was not mandatory to keep shops closed or not to venture out. But, those moving out of their homes must wear face-masks and follow social distancing norms, it added. Further, it warned of stringent action against parties, organisations, or anti-social elements forcing closure of shops. Owing to confusion among people whether the ‘Janata Curfew’ was ‘voluntary’ or ‘enforceable’, Radhakrishnan B, Municipal Commissioner, also tweeted and made it clear that it was ‘voluntary’.
Against this backdrop, ‘Janata Curfew’ received a lukewarm response on Saturday. Sandip Joshi, Mayor; Chandrashekhar Bawankule, former Guardian Minister of district; Vijay Zalke, Chairman of Standing Committee of Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC), and others toured various parts of the city to take stock of the response. They first visited Badkas Chowk. Mayor asked some of the vehicle-riders to stop and enquired where were they going and was there any urgency for which they had ventured out of their homes. He appealed to the people to stay at home, except in case of an essentiality. The Mayor also visited all the market areas like Jhansi Rani Square, Variety Square, Sadar, Jaripatka, Indora, Itwari, Panchpaoli, Gandhibagh, Mahal, Yeshwant Stadium etc. In a brief interaction with mediapersons at Badkas Chowk, he said that there was good response to ‘Janata Curfew’ from traders. However, he rued, people were out in good numbers.
“I appeal to the people to stay at home considering the COVID-19 crisis,” he said. He also lamented that some people in the administration and in the Opposition frequently stated that ‘Janata Curfew’ was not mandatory. “It would not have harmed the cause of containing COVID-19, had they remained silent. This kind of politics is unfortunate,” he remarked. Later in the evening, Mayor issued a statement in which he thanked the people who responded positively to the appeal of ‘Janata Curfew’. Observing ‘Janata Curfew’ on weekends this month, is a chance for Nagpurians to change their approach towards COVID-19.
“If we utilise the chance well and follow all the Government guidelines, there will be no need for measures like lockdown. Irresponsible behaviour of some may endanger elders and children in their households,” he said. He appealed to the people to observe self-discipline and respond well to the appeal of ‘Janata Curfew’. People should stay at their homes if it is not utmost necessary to venture out. Also, they must wear face-mask, user sanitiser, and maintain physical distancing.