People's discipline during anti-Coronavirus lockdown is unthinkable: PM Modi

Modi, while addressing the workers of his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on the Hindu nationalist political outfit's 40th anniversary, said, "The maturity shown by people of India during the lockdown is unprecedented. No one could even think people would be so disciplined during this period."

The lockdown was called on Mar 24 by Modi to stem the spread of the virus though the announcement has greatly impacted the poor and migrant workers economically.

Though the Centre and state governments have assured of sufficient food supplies, the workers took an uphill task of reaching home by walking hundreds of miles across state borders with some even collapsing on road due to the scarcity of food.

Humanitarian problems grasped the country as people including a child in Bihar died in last few days out of hunger due to the lockdown which will end on Apr 14 midnight.

The violation of lockdown was noticed across the country as people in various cities, towns stepped out of their houses, queued up in front of grocery shops though the Centre as well as the state governments have repeatedly said no to hoarding.

India on Sunday night by and large responded to Modi's call to switch off household lights and light candles, diyas or mobile flashlights and stand at doorsteps or balconies in a show of unity. 

Regarding the lighting of lamps, the Prime Minister on Monday said, "Yesterday at 9 pm too, we have witnessed the collective strength of 130 crore Indians. People from all sections, rich and poor, educated and uneducated bowed to the strength of the unity and strengthened the pledge to fight against Coronavirus."

However contrary to the Prime Minister's appeal to people, many were seen bursting firecrackers, holding marches with lights on roads violating the lockdown and blowing the idea of social-distancing out of window. 

Amid the shortages of masks across the country, Modi has asked people to cover their faces while going out in public.

"Whenever you walk out, make sure you use a face cover and practice social distancing and the right preventive discipline. I expect every BJP worker will keep himself, his family and his society safe. With this emotion, we must walk towards victory," the Prime Minister told BJP workers.

(Image Credit: BJP Twitter and UNI)