Amid a massive rise of coronavirus disease (Covid-19) cases, the Punjab government on Wednesday imposed a statewide night curfew from 9pm to 5am till April 30, which was until now imposed in only 12 districts of the state.
The government has also banned political gatherings till the restricted period and said violators, including political leaders, will be booked under Disaster Management Act(DMA) and Epidemics Act. Punjab is one of the states of concern as said by the Union health ministry due to its major contribution to the active cases and fatalities of the country.
Chief minister Amarinder Singh did not miss the opportunity to chide leaders like Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, SAD’s Sukhbir Singh Badal, and expressed surprise at their behaviour for attending political rallies without adhering to Covid safety protocol, at a time when the virus is spreading so fast in the country.
Ordering the police and district administrations to register cases against the leaders, organisers, and participants of the gatherings under the Disaster Management Act and Epidemics Act, he said even the venue owners, who would provide space for such events, will not be spared. They too would be booked, and their venues will be sealed for three months.