14-day lockdown in Guwahati begins; prices of essentials shoot up

A 14-day lockdown in Guwahati came into force on Sunday evening in order to fight rising number of coronavirus cases in city, which opposition Congress termed failure of Assam health minister.

Kamrup Metropolitan district, under which Guwahati falls, was completely locked down from 7 pm on Sunday till 6 pm on July 12 with even shops of grocery, meat and all or items downing shutters. Only pharmacies have been allowed to function.

This time, authorities have decided t to issue any vehicle pass even for essential services as re were many instances of its misuse during nationwide

lockdown that came into effect on March 25.

Former chief minister Tarun Gogoi criticised decision to impose a stricter lockdown in Guwahati and blamed it to inefficacy of Health Minister Himanta Biswa

Sarma.

"Lockdown declared by Dr. Himanta B Sarma is t only unwise & also to cover up his failure in containing covid patients but also failed to adequately arrange hospital beds for treatment. Ultimately adversely affecting daily w earners, common people," he tweeted.

As grocery and vegetable shops will remain closed during lockdown, people across city thronged markets and department stores to stock essentials, igring rms of social distancing.

Large garings and long queues were seen at shops, markets and ATMs.

Taking advant of situation, retailers of vegetables and fishes increased prices exorbitantly in almost all areas of city. prices of potatoes rose to Rs 80 a kg from around Rs 25 on Friday, while cucumber was priced at Rs 100 per kg.

Tomatoes and squash were selling at Rs 120 per kg, while onions were being sold at Rs 40-50 per kg.

"Where is Civil Supply Department? Where are district administration and police? Why was re control at all? How can we purchase items for 14 days at this high rate?" a shopper said, expressing helplessness.

Many people expressed anguish as lockdown came into force in month-end when salary was t credited in ir accounts yet, reby putting m in a fix.

A rickshaw puller said, "I can earn only for day's need. Where will I get money to store for 14 days? At this high prices, I cant feed my family properly for one day

even. If re is help from government, my family will starve to death."