PM Narendra Modi calls for ‘Janata Curfew’ on March 22 from 7 am to 9 pm over COVID-19

NEW DELHI: In wake of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, which has also affected India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday urged the people of the country to opt for a ‘Janata Curfew’ on Sunday from 7 am to 9 pm.

In a special live address to the nation, Modi said: “Today I am requesting the people of the country for a Janata Curfew, on March 22, this Sunday, from between 7 am to 9 pm... This is public curfew. ‘Janata Curfew’ means for the public, curfew imposed on public by themselves.”

He urged the people to follow this ‘Curfew’; not go out on the streets or even gather in their societies and stay inside their homes. He also appealed to citizens to come to their doorsteps or balconies at 5 pm on Sunday to appreciate the work of those involved in healthcare, sanitation and all other essential services. “Come to your balconies and courtyards and streets and applaud, ring bells, bang on thalis for those who are working day and night.”

Citizens also need not panic and start hoarding groceries and food items, Modi said. “The supply of all such items will not be disrupted,” assured the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister further urged people above the age of 60 should avoid going out in the coming weeks.

Sharing an instance from the past, he said: “Might be the present generation is not aware... when there was a situation of war, and villages were blacked out and the glasses of windows were darkened... People use to take precautions and even in case there was no war, the local administration carried out a drill regularly.”

The Prime Minister also urged the people to follow the instructions issued by the State governments.

“Today everyone has to take a resolve to not get infected by the COVID-19 and also save others from getting Covid-19. In such a pandemic case, only one mantra works, if we are healthy, then the entire world is healthy,” he said. At a time when no medicine has been made for the disease, the only thing to stay safe is to exercise restraint, he said. “Don’t go in the crowds, avoid going out; and practise what today is being called social distancing in the era of COVID-19... It is very useful,” he said.

“Our resolve and restraint is going to play very important role in fighting Covid-19.”

The Prime Minister also said that if one thinks that by roaming on the streets is safe, then it is not good. “By doing so you will do injustice to your near ones. I urge the people of the country to come out only whenever it is very necessary for the coming weeks,” he added.

Modi also said that the COVID-19 pandemic is a crisis that has impacted the globe in a way even more than the two World Wars. He said there will be an impact of the pandemic on India and it would be foolhardy to think otherwise. The Prime Minister pointed out that resolve and discipline would be the key to fighting the virus.

“This crisis is so big and global that all Indians need to combat the situation with resolve,” Modi said. “Saving ourselves from Covid-19 needs to be the primary priority in our lives. The human race and Indians need to win this fight.” The Prime Minister also said that a task force will be constituted under the Finance Minister to look ensure all steps are taken to reduce economic difficulties. The task force will make timely interventions for all economic sections of the society, Modi said. The Prime Minister also urged Indians to practice social distancing as it is being touted as one of the most effective ways of curbing the spread of the virus. He added that with no cure or vaccine, distancing would be the best way for now.

India on Thursday registered 22 fresh cases of Covid-19 taking the total number of affected persons to 173. At least four people have died, one each from Punjab, Karnataka, Delhi and Maharashtra.

In a late night development, the Centre has set up a Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman-led Covid-19 economic response task force, which would assess the requirements of various sectors and also oversee implementation of the proposed measures. The decision comes in the wake of severe impact of Covid-19 on several sectors, including aviation, hospitality and tourism along with the overall economy. The task force may look at measures, such as extension of loan tenors for the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and relaxing NPA (non-performing assets) norms, while on the taxation part, GST may be waived on hospitality and tourism sectors.

Meanwhile, the RSS has backed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s idea of ‘Janata Curfew’ on March 22 to promote social distancing in wake of the coronavirus outbreak in India.

“RSS will back the ‘Janata Curfew’ on March 22, based on the mantra on resolve and restraint, as well as other initiatives by state and centre. The entire RSS family will play a role in awakening the society to face this challenge,” said Sarkaryavah Suresh Bhaiyaji Joshi. (IANS)

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