People in Punjab, Chandigarh move out of homes despite curfew

Despite curfew, people in Punjab and union territory of Chandigarh moved out of ir homes to buy essential items on Wednesday morning claiming that authorities failed to ensure ir home delivery as promised.

While authorities have fixed different time slots in all districts for delivery of essential commodities at doorsteps, people at several places complained that y did t get items especially groceries, fruits and vegetables.

On Tuesday, Chief Minister Amarinder Singh h said that Deputy Commissioners would ensure door-to-door delivery of essential commodities such as groceries, milk, fruits and vegetables through pre-identified hawkers or distributors, wherever possible.

authorities said phone numbers of designated vegetable sellers, grocery shops, pharmacies etc. were shared with people so that y could get items home-delivered.

"I have t been able to get vegetables delivered at my home," said a resident of Mohali where district authorities h anunced relaxation of curfew but withdrew order later.

Left with or choice, people went to ir neighbourhood markets and shops to buy essential items and at some places, long queues were witnessed outside milk booths and pharmacies.

District authorities at most places h fixed 6 am to 9 am slot for home delivery of milk while timing for supply of groceries and medicines was 8 am to 11 am.

At several places in state, milk was delivered at people's doorstep, while many complained of being forced to pay more for vegetables and fruits, as per initial reports. Newspapers at several places were t delivered.

state government has released a district-wise list of helpline numbers for people.

Due to curfew, re were some reports of farmers t able to reach cities to sell ir produce including vegetables and or commodities.

A day after police used mild force against violators, people, barring at few places, largely remained indoors and hered to curfew restrictions imposed by authorities.

"Most of people have w understood and y did t venture out of ir homes today (Wednesday)," said a police officer in Amritsar, ding that strict action will be taken against those who defy restrictions.

On Tuesday, police h registered 232 FIRs and arrested 111 people for curfew violation.

Punjab h imposed a state-wide curfew on Monday as a measure to check spre of dely infection. It has reported 29 coronavirus cases so far.