Apologise for lockdown inconvenience: PM Modi in Mann ki Baat

In his
weekly Mann ki Baat address, PM Modi apologised for the inconvience caused by
the national lockdown. He sought forgiveness from country for difficult
decision that caused hardships to people, especially poor.

“Coronavirus
is bent on killing people therefore entire humanity must unite and resolve to
eliminate it. The fight against coronavirus is a life and death battle, and
tough decisions were necessary,” he said.

“We
should take inspiration from all front-line soldiers in the fight against
coronavirus, especially nurses, doctors, paramedics. People not following
quarantine measures world over are now repenting,” said PM Modi, urging
people to be mindful.

He asked
Indians to show courage and resolve, follow “Lakshman Rekha” for
several days more. “Social distancing doesn’t mean stopping of social interaction.
Reconnect with friends,” he said.

On the back
of fresh deaths in Gujarat and Jammu and Kashmir, the coronavirus infection
death toll in India rose to 25, the health ministry reported, 979 have
currently been infected. In its updated data at 10am, the ministry stated that
the number of active COVID-19 cases in the country was 867, while 86 people
were either cured or discharged and one had migrated. The total number of 979
cases in the country included 48 foreigners, the data stated.