This Article is From Apr 12, 2020

"Violation Of Lockdown Measures": Home Ministry Warns Bengal Government

Coronavirus India Lockdown: In a terse letter sent to the Chief Secretary and the Director-General of Police, the ministry said: "... gradual dilution of lockdown has been reported from West Bengal"

'Violation Of Lockdown Measures': Home Ministry Warns Bengal Government

Coronavirus lockdown: Home Ministry wrote to Bengal government over lockdown guideline violations

New Delhi:

The Home Ministry wrote to the Bengal government today, for the second time in less than a week, to caution it against "violation of lockdown measures". In a terse letter sent to the Chief Secretary and the Director-General of Police, the ministry said: "... gradual dilution of lockdown has been reported from West Bengal, with an increase in the number of exceptions being provided by the state government".

"For instance, shops relating to non-essential items have been allowed to function. There is no regulation in vegetable, fish and mutton markets where people have been thronging in complete violation of social distancing norms..." the letter added.

The letter identified Rajabazaar, Narkel Danga (where the centre has claimed a rise in COVID-19 cases), Topsia, Metiaburz, Gardenreach, Ikbalpur and Maniktala as areas where these norms have been violated. All these areas have large Muslim populations.

A senior ministry official also told NDTV the centre is also worried about the state not doing enough to track down potential COVID-19 cases linked to the Tablighi Jamaat - an Islamic sect that held a religious gathering in Delhi last month and which has been linked to over 1,500 cases nationwide.

“So far they have identified 200 people but are refusing to share information with centre,” the official said.

The centre has also accused the state of allowing religious congregations. As per the Disaster Management Act (2005), such gatherings are not allowed. In fact, states had advocated social distancing even during festivals held in past weeks and have continued to do so for forthcoming events too.

The letter drew an angry reaction from Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who blamed it on an alleged communal agenda. "We should be fighting a corona virus and not a communal virus," Ms Banerjee said.

Other allegations made by the Home Ministry in the letter pertain to political leaders distributing free rations rather than an institutional delivery system.

"It is requested that strict action be taken in the matter..." the letter states, also asking for a report from the state government.

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Coronavirus Lockdown West Bengal: Home Ministry's letter to Bengal government

The country is nearing the end of a 21-day "total lockdown" imposed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi last month to control the spread of the COVID-19. As per those orders only shops selling groceries, vegetables and medicines are allowed to function, with all non-essential shops and industries shut down.

The lockdown is likely to be extended by two weeks, Prime Minister Modi indicated today after a video conference with 13 chief ministers, including Mamata Banerjee.

Shortly after the meeting ended, Ms Banerjee addressed a press conference in which she said her government would abide the decision to extend the lockdown. However, she said, certain industries, such as bakery, oil mills, bottled water and fisheries would re-open partially.

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Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said her government will abide by decision to extend lockdown

Ms Banerjee, who has frequently clashed with the Narendra Modi government on political issues since last year's Lok Sabha elections, said yesterday that she was not in favour of lifting the lockdown.

At the same time, however, she announced relaxations for some sectors, including tea gardens in North Bengal and flower markets.

"Next two to three weeks will be very crucial. I know we are all suffocating but what to do? Nobody likes the situation, we are also unhappy. We have no option. There is nothing bigger than human life," the Chief Minister said.

Bengal has reported 126 COVID-19 cases so far, with five deaths linked to the virus. Across the country over 7,500 cases have been reported and 242 deaths have been registered.

World

67,69,38,430Cases
62,55,71,965Active
4,44,81,893Recovered
68,84,572Deaths
Coronavirus has spread to 200 countries. The total confirmed cases worldwide are 67,69,38,430 and 68,84,572 have died; 62,55,71,965 are active cases and 4,44,81,893 have recovered as on January 9, 2024 at 10:54 am.

India

4,50,19,214 475Cases
3,919 -83Active
4,44,81,893 552Recovered
5,33,402 6Deaths
In India, there are 4,50,19,214 confirmed cases including 5,33,402 deaths. The number of active cases is 3,919 and 4,44,81,893 have recovered as on January 9, 2024 at 8:00 am.

State & District Details

State Cases Active Recovered Deaths
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