A day after announcing a fresh set of lockdown restrictions in the State till August 31, Punjab Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh on Friday made it clear that he would not hesitate to take any harsh steps necessary to save lives. The Chief Minister warned of even more stringent measures after August 31, if needed, to check Covid spread and save the lives of the people of Punjab.
The Chief Minister has also ordered the imposition of Section 144 to prohibit all gatherings of more than five persons, other than marriage and bhog ceremonies, warning of strict action against organizers of such gatherings.
At the same time, he appealed to all political parties to avoid any gatherings, including protests.
“In case of any violation of Section 144, the organizers who are putting people at risk by organizing such gatherings or allowing people to gather without masks will be arrested,” he said, warning of total strictness in this matter.
The Chief Minister also requested all religious and community leaders to ask their followers to take all restrictions or precautions as imposed and not to violate Section 144. He also directed the police to strictly enforce prescribed number and social distancing at marriage and bhog ceremonies.
Sharing the figures, Capt Amarinder said that the state’s positivity rate on Thursday was of 8.5 percent, and the average daily increase for the last seven days was 1400-plus while the mortality rate stood at 2.5 percent.
“The statistics paint a gloomy picture,” said Capt Amarinder during weekly Facebook live #AskCaptain, warning that if people do not take necessary precautions, things will only get worse.
Noting that the State was headed towards a peak, he said that by September 3, the cases in Punjab are projected to go up to 64,000, and cross one lakh by September 15.
“Deaths will also increase, with experts estimating over 1500 deaths by September 3,” he warned.
‘HOPE HARYANA CM WILL SEE PUNJAB’s VIEWPOINT ON SYL’
Capt Amarinder expressed hope that Haryana will see Punjab’s viewpoint on the issue of SYL, given the state’s critical ground water situation. “Haryana already has more water than Punjab and will get additional one MAF of water through the Sharda-Yamuna Link Canal project,” said the Chief Minister, hoping that his Haryana counterpart ML Khattar will look at the issue from a realistic perspective when they meet soon to discuss the matter.
CENTRE’S FARM ORDINANCES TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE FOR BEING ANTI-FARMER
The Chief Minster said that Punjab Government was strongly opposed to Centre’s agriculture ordinances and will not accept them at any cost. “Ordinances are aimed at shutting down FCI and eliminating MSP regime, which will spell death knell for the farming community,” he said, pointing out that ordinances were based on Shanta Kumar committee report, which had recommended ending the government procurement system.
APPEALS TO STRIKING GOVT EMPLOYEES TO RETURN TO WORK
Making an appeal to state government employees of Group C & D of the Secretariat and Districts, on strike for the past one week, to end their protest and return to work.
Capt Amarinder said that the Government was trying to fulfill their pending demands despite pandemic situation and the fiscal crisis prevailing in the state.
“Even amid the prevailing crisis, the government is looking into their demands,” Captain Amarinder assured the employees, who went on strike after withdrawal of their mobile phone allowances.
The employees have not reported for work since then, seeking resolution of their pending issues, including restoration of the allowances.