Government announces withdrawal of order citing suggestion from various quarters
BIJAPUR; 24 Dec: Barely a day after announcing the night curfew which was supposed to be implemented from Thursday night, the Karnataka government took a sudden U-turn and withdrew its own order on Thursday evening.
It may be noted that on Wednesday evening, the Chief Minister, B. S. Yediyurappa had announced the imposition of night curfew from Thursday night 11:00 pm and 5:00 am till January 2 in order to prevent the spreading of Covid infection.
In a fresh statement on Thursday, the government said after receiving feedback from the public that a night curfew is not needed and after discussing the decision with senior officials, it was decided to withdraw the night curfew.
The statement added that the people should prevent the spread of the virus by self-imposing regulations, wearing masks, maintaining distance, avoiding unnecessary travel and maintaining strict adherence to government-imposed COVID-19 control rules.
Meanwhile the restrictions on Christmas and New Year’s Eve celebrations will continue to be in place even after withdrawing the night curfew.
As per the order issued on Wednesday, movement of individuals was to be strictly prohibited during these hours and only movement of goods through trucks, goods vehicles or any goods carriers, including empty vehicles were allowed.
The same order said that industries or factories which require 24×7 operations will also be allowed to operate without any restrictions.
According to earlier issued orders, pubs and bars can remain open on Christmas and New Year’s Eve, but DJ parties in nightclubs are barred. The government has said that COVID-19 safety measures will be strictly enforced during Christmas and New Year’s Eve in the city. These restrictions, however, will continue to remain in place.
Meanwhile, BJP MLA, Basanagouda Patil Yatnal too had raised objections and questioning the logic behind the imposition of night curfew.
Speaking to media persons on Thursday he had advised the Chief Minister B. S. Yediyurappa to rethink over the decision.
Wondering how mere imposition of night curfew would prevent the spreading of Covid virus when lakhs of people are moving in public areas during day time, he had said that at night, the majority of the people already stay at home while day time activities are seen where innumerable people are moving.
Asking his own government to rethink over the decision, he had said that in his view, imposition of night curfew is meaningless. “ Nobody knows whether Corona infection gets intensified at night more or in day time. In such a situation, why the curfew is being imposed at night only”, he questioned.
He however had said that instead of imposing night curfew, all night parties could be banned to prevent the spreading of Covid.
The opposition to night curfew by BJP MLA, has given room for suspicion that not all party leaders are happy with the government’s decision. Several traders and hotel owners have also questioned the logic behind implementing night curfew in the State.
