Panic-stricken residents throng markets in Meghalaya

However, panic-stricken residents in large numbers rushed to the market areas of Jowai and Tura, the district headquarters of West Jaintia Hills and West Garo Hills respectively, to purchase essential commodities violating the lockdown and the health advisories of maintaining social distancing.

Later, the authorities in both the districts directed the shopkeepers to shut their stores and pushed back the panic-stricken residents to their respective homes.

In Shillong, the lockdown was a success as all shops and business establishments remained closed but there are still some people violating the lockdown in the city.

On Wednesday, Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong expressed disappointment over some people not adhering to the government’s advisories and violating the lockdown declared by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday night.

“We have decided to take stringent actions against those violating the lockdown in the larger interest of the people of the state,” Tynsong said.

Moreover, the State Cabinet had decided that grocery shops will remain open from Wednesday to ensure steady supply of essential commodities lockdown.

Tynsong said that the Cabinet has worked out measures to provide delivery of essential commodities in rural as well as urban areas, while Deputy Commissioners
has been asked to chalk out the plan.

“There is no shortage of rice and distribution to retailers has already taken place in the entire State,” he told journalists after the Cabinet meeting at Chief Minister’s residence.

Informing that there is no shortage of rice and distribution to retailers has already taken place in the entire State, Tynsong informed that distribution for the month of
March has been made available in the district, while for April the allotment will be released in the first week.