The streets of Kokrajhar in lower Assam, which were agog with elections rallies till a few days ago, fell silent on Sunday.
Along with the rest of the country, the BTAD town observed Janata Curfew, an appeal by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to prevent the spread of novel coronavirus.
“We have seen so many election rallies in the past few days. Hagrama Mohilary (BTC chief and BPF president) led the procession during filing of his nomination in front of our home. There were thousands of people and vehicles that day. The same street is empty today,” said Archana Das, a resident of ward 9 in Kokrajhar town.
“We were really worried as a large number gathered together despite the coronavirus threat. It seemed people did not care about their health. But today the same people have responded to the Prime Minister’s call.”
Urkhao Gwra Brahma, former president of United People’s Party Liberal (UPPL), thanked the residents of Kokrajhar for making the “curfew” a success.
“People are loyal, at the one call of honourable Prime Minister, every one remained inside the house and made successful the Janata Curfew. Thanks to the janata, this day will be remembered as Anti-nCoV Day,” Brahma posted on Facebook.
Bijni, a major town in Chirang district under BTAD, also witnessed a complete shutdown for the Janata Curfew as shops and business establishments downed shutters and public transport was suspended on Sunday.
However, on Sunday, Udalguri also observed Janata Curfew. People stayed at home at Tangla, Kalaigaon and other places in the district. At 5pm, people came out on the balconies and verandahs of their homes and started ringing bells, blowing conch shells, clapping, beating drums, chanting naam kirtan and performing ululation to express gratitude to workers of essential services.
“Social isolation is the only measure to fight the epidemic until the health officials declare there is no more threat from the virus,” said Narjuma Begum, an Udalguri resident.
There was no hustle-bustle in Baksa district as well. Vehicles remained off roads and shops were closed during the Janata Curfew.
Additional reporting by Shajid Khan in Udalguri
