Coronavirus: Sec 144 imposed in 4 Bihar, 2 J-K districts

Prohibitory orders have been imposed in two districts of Jammu and Kashmir and four districts of Bihar in view of the prevailing health emergency due to the coronavirus outbreak

IMAGE: Rashtriya Janta Dal leader Tejashwi Yadav with his elder brother Tej Pratap Yadav wears masks to mitigate the novel coronavirus, in Patna, on Friday. Photograph: PTI Photo

The orders under Section 144, Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), will remain in force for a month in Kishtwar and for 15 days in Ramban district of Jammu, an official spokesperson said on Saturday.

In Bihar, the administration imposed Section 144 of CrPC in Sheohar, Banka, Gopalganj and Samastipur districts on Saturday.

Sheohar Sub-Divisional Magistrate Arif Hasan and Banka's District Magistrate Suharsh Bhagat have confirmed that prohibitory orders were issued under Section 144.

Samastipur DM Shashank Shumbhkar said that Section 144 imposed to discourage people from gathering at one place.

Similarly, Gopalganj DM Arshad Aziz said that Section 144 was imposed in the district in view of coronavirus.

According to health department officials, all concerned district officers have been asked to be on alert and speed up awareness campaign about coronavirus among people.

Besides, all hospitals have been instructed to prepare to deal with any situation.

In Jammu, the spokesperson said Kishtwar District Development Commissioner Rajinder Singh Tara has imposed a ban on the assembly of more than five persons at any public place in the entire district, including Kishtwar town and its adjoining areas, with an immediate effect for a period of one month.

"This order has been issued as a precautionary measure and is in consonance with the advisory issued by the government to the public, whereby they have been advised not to venture out in large numbers and to avoid any type of mass gatherings, crowds, congregations and functions," the spokesperson said, quoting Tara.

Besides, orders for the closure of gymnasiums, tuition centres, coaching institutes and also suspension of classes in all government and private schools up to the secondary level, academic and technical colleges, university campuses and anganwari centres till March 31 have already been issued.

Ramban District Magistrate Nazim Zai Khan also imposed restrictions under section 144, CrPC in the district with an immediate effect for a period of 15 days to ensure effective implementation of the prescribed precaution to prevent danger to human life, health or safety and keeping in view the prevailing health situation due to coronavirus.

-- with inputs from M I Khan in Patna