Assam chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal had on Sunday urged all residents to remain indoors for the next 14 days, but the city witnessed a contrasting scene on Monday with many seen outside their houses. Not only were they emergency service personnel, others were seen rushing to shops, vegetable markets and workplaces.

Senior cabinet minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said, “People are not following basic guidelines for their safety. I want to tell the people of Assam that it’s neither a festive time nor time for a vacation. It’s a very critical period and we all must do what is being told and needed. People of Assam must not take the situation casually.”

On Sunday too, many in the state came out on the roads clapping and beating drums at 5pm although the Prime Minister had asked all to thank the medics and emergency service personnel by clapping or beating thalis from inside their residential premises.

“Yesterday, the way many took out processions cheering was so foolish and unexpected. But today we had no choice but to go out to buy groceries and other essential items for our hostel boarders. There was a news on social media that Assam will go for complete lockdown and everyone panicked,” said Roktim Das, owner of a private hostel for working women.

Since Monday morning, news of Assam heading for a complete shutdown was doing the rounds on social media, triggering a sense of panic among all. Despite Assam Chamber of Commerce requesting all business establishments to remain closed from 6am to 9 pm on March 23, many shops were seen selling groceries and stationeries. Vegetable markets were flooded with denizens. Buyers complained that prices of many vegetables had risen sharply.

Though public transport was withdrawn, app-based cabs plied. Overcrowded trekkers were in evidence too.

The Police warned against spreading of fake news with stern action. A few hours later, the Assam government decided for a complete lockdown from 6pm on Tuesday to till March 31. However, essential services will be exempted.

Sonowal has sought everyone’s support during the lockdown.

In Assam, no positive coronavirus case has been detected so far.