As the authorities imposed strict lockdown in Kashmir from Thursday evening, Rising Kashmir spoke to people to gauge their opinion on this government’s move. 

Nazir Ahmad Bhat, Nishat

The lockdown in Kashmir is the need of the hour as the UT is continuously witnessing a surge in COVID19 cases. In last year when Kashmir hadn't witnessed a spike at the initial stage still, authorities imposed lockdown but since this second wave erupted the COVID19 cases are rising day by day which is a matter of concern. The lockdown should have been imposed at the initial stage to avoid this huge surge. The Srinagar district alone is witnessing thousands of cases every alarming day.

Aisha, Nawabazar

The lockdown in Kashmir will not help us. There is no doubt it will break the chain. Instead of lockdown authorities should gear up for the vaccination and should implement the SOPs and guidelines strictly on the ground which will surely help to end this disease. After seeing the situation in other states of India the lockdown is the only option as people are running out of oxygen. Keeping in view the people of Kashmir should follow the guidelines issued already by the health and other departments in letter and spirit.

Manzoor Ahmad, Rawalpora

The imposition of lockdown is imperative at this juncture when a situation seems to slip out of the hands of the Government. On one hand, the UT is breaching the figure of 3000 among which Srinagar tops in the list, and on the other hand, people should not allow a situation to deteriorate further. No people Government is solely responsible for the mess who didn't take precautions and invited outsiders in the name of boosting economy here. Had these visitors checked at the right time the situation would have better today? However, people should take utmost care of themselves and others as well and must follow SOPs to keep the pandemic away.

Shaista Jan, Nawa Kadal

The lockdown is in the interest of the general public. Apart from the shortcomings of the Government, people shouldn't nurture this pandemic with their mistakes. We need to take every precaution and to act upon every guideline issued in our interest. Covering up the face and maintaining physical distance is a must to avoid contracting the virus. Though authorities assured that some affairs of life to function smoothly with 50% but people should act maturely and avoid all sorts of congestion and remain away from gatherings.