Yasmeen Manzoor
Srinagar, May 17(KNB): Amid strict guidelines in place for the enforcement of a lockdown across the country to combat the coronavirus pandemic, rush of people along with heavy traffic at several places was witnessed across the Kashmir valley as the e-passes are being issued randomly or using fake or scanned E-passes, locals alleged.
Earlier, administration made sure that E-passes will be issued for people linked to essential services as that of emergency medical services, funeral, government duty, vehicle pass, health assistance, inter-district and interstate transportation of agriculture produce, however several districts across the valley witnessed many of those who were out in the vehicles possessing e-passes which turned out to be those who either do not need this pass or don’t even qualify for the same.
Residents of Bandipora district which after overthrowing the deadly Covid-19 was approaching among the safer zones alleged that social distancing went for a toss in the district as people using e-passes probably issued by administration or may be fake, scanned and plying on roads along with many shops were seen open in some areas attracting the huge rush of people creating a panicky atmosphere among the locals.” Since now our district is finally approaching a safer zone with fewer number of cases, in a melancholy the increased rush of people as well as traffic seen in the market pops up our concern,” He further said.
“We are appealing to the concerned authorities to look into the matter and take immediate necessary action,” Another local said.
When Kashmir News Bureau contacted Deputy Commissioner Bandipora, Shabaz Mirza he said, “It is quite not possible from the side of authorities to take such lenient steps of issuing e-passes without verification. Whomsoever we have issued the passes it has been with proper verification.”
“If any such thing comes to my notice, people should be rest assured that we will take strict and immediate measures,” he further said.(KNB)