Pondy mulls deploying CRPF, IRB to ensure strict enforcement

The Puducherry governmentis thinking of deploying the CRPF and India Reserve Battalion personnel here to help police ensure strict enforcement of the curfew clamped last night to contain the COVID-19 spread, Chief Minister V Narayanasamy said on Tuesday.

Despite the government clamping the curfew coupled with enforcement of the Epidemic Diseases Act (EDA) and also Disaster Management Act (DMA), people were moving about and entering Puducherry from neighbouring pockets, he said.

"I am really sorry to see that people in most parts of Puducherry have not understood the seriousness of the coronavirus," he told reporters here after holding a meeting with legislators to discuss steps to intensify preventive measures against COVID-19.

Narayanasamy requested people to remain indoors and avoid coming outside.

"Isolation is the only solution to protect oneself from the onslaught of the scourge," he said.

There were instances of people violating the curfew and entering into altercation with local police at various points, the chief minister said.

"We are planning to bring in members of the CRPF and use the locally stationed IRBN to strengthen the police force to curb curfew violations," he said, adding that those violating it can be imprisoned for one year under the EDA and DMA.

Narayanasamy said all shops except medical shops and pharmacies would remain closed for four days from Wednesday.

"I appeal to the people to stock their homes with provisions, vegetables, milk and other essential commodities as no shop would be open for next four days."