The Arunachal Pradesh government imposed a statewide lockdown to combat spread of coronavirus, but a large number of people here were seen defying the order on Tuesday.

On Sunday evening, it announced that the lockdown would come into effect from 5pm on Monday and would continue till March 31.

Several pedestrians and cars were, however, seen on roads here and in Naharlagun despite repeated appeals by the police to stay at home.

Superintendent of police Tumme Amo released a video message requesting people not to defy the lockdown.

Amo urged people to stay put at home until and unless there is an emergency.

“The police are trying their best to make sure that the lockdown is adhered to for the safety of the people. Seventy per cent of people have self-quarantined themselves at home. The rest, however, are out on roads for no valid reason, flouting orders issued by the government,” Amo said.

The Ramakrishna Mission Hospital here has announced that it would close its

outpatient department (OPD) services from Thursday until further notice in order to prevent possible spread of Covid-19.

The casualty and emergency services of the hospital would, however, remain functional as usual.