COVID-19: Borders sealed, streets wear deserted look in Tripura

Agartala: As with most other parts of the country, the streets of Tripura capital Agartala and other parts of the state wore a deserted look on Sunday in response to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for ‘Janta Curfew’ as a precautionary measure against the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

The Prime Minister has announced a 14-hour-long ‘Janata curfew’ across the country with an appeal to maintain a social distance from 7 am to 9 pm on Sunday to stop the spread of the deadly virus.

The busiest streets of the city, including ]VIP road, Battala market, Kaman Chowmuhani, Agartala railway station and Airport complex wore an empty look as few people came out of their house responding to the PM’s Janta curfew.

Earlier on Saturday, the chief minister appealed to the people that nobody except those maintaining the law and order, medical professionals and people involved in emergency services should step out of their house.

Restriction on government vehicles except for those essential and required is also imposed by the government.

The railways have also canceled all the passenger, mail and express trains from Agartala, informed the station manager.

However, a number of Tripura Police, TSR jawans could be seen patrolling the empty streets of Agartala wearing masks and hand gloves and advising people to stay at their homes.

Taking to Twitter, chief minister Biplab Kumar Deb said that the state borders have been sealed, no one can enter state without proper screening and permission. “We are committed to helping you in each possible way,” he added.

“In view of the serious coronavirus pandemic and to stop spreading it in Tripura we have decided to stop movement of passengers through Agartala Immigration Land Check Post till 31st March. Cargo vehicles will be allowed to move freely with due precautions to supply commodities,” Deb said.

Earlier on Saturday, the chief minister said that all the integrated check posts were closed except for Akhaura in Agartala.

The chief minister also wrote o Twitter, “I thank the people of Tripura for promptly responding to @PMOIndia Shri @narendramodi Ji’s call of #JantaCurfew I am receiving reports of massive support of #JantaCurfew from all the Districts. Together we have to fight against #CoronaPandemic. Stay home and be safe.”

Deb also informed: “Keeping the safety of everyone in mind we have decided to stop public transport & inter-state buses tomorrow.”