Government officials in India have warned the people that curfew violators could get shot if they defy coronavirus lockdown orders.
Following the lockdown of 1.3 billion people in India, the authorities have been struggling and resorting to severe measures such as beatings to get the people to self-isolate.
Despite Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s clear orders stating that people should stay indoors, hoards of shoppers were seen piling up at markets in Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkota.
After countless cases involving the breaking of lockdown orders, Kalvakuntla Chandrashekhar, the chief minister of the Telangana state, threatened the people with “shoot at sight” orders if they don’t start listening to the rules.
“Please don’t let it come to this. The administration cannot stop everyone and I will have to call in the army or issue ‘shoot at sight’ orders. Please stay at home,” the chief announced.
Meanwhile, Indian police officers were caught on camera smacking curfew violators with everything from wooden sticks to metal poles amid nation-wide lockdown.
To punish those who go out of their homes without a proper reason, the police have begun resorting to beatings with sticks and batons.
As seen in one video that appeared on social media, the authorities in Punjab have forced curfew violators to perform exercises after they were caught loitering.
In another footage that made it on Twitter, curfew violators were seen rolling on the ground while a police officer was spanking them with a wooden stick.
The strict measures taken to ensure that people stay indoors follow as the authorities have announced a total nation-wide lockdown and banned people from leaving their homes amid the global coronavirus pandemic.
Following India’s decision to ban 1.3 billion people from going outside for three weeks, PM Narendra Modi announced the government is taking drastic measures “to save India and every Indian.”
In his speech, the prime minister warned people they weren’t allowed to go outside unless absolutely necessary and urged them to avoid stockpiling goods because grocery stores will remain open.
The lockdown was imposed following more than five hundred confirmed cases in the country and fears that a major jump, as witnessed in China, the US, and several EU countries, is imminent in the country with over one billion residents.
“India is today at such a stage, where our actions today will determine our ability to reduce the impact of this disaster,” Mr. Modi said.
According to the orders, banks, grocery stores, and petrol stations will remain open throughout the lockdown.
“This is a curfew… We will have to pay economic cost of this, but to save every family member, this is the responsibility of everyone – the biggest priority,” Modi said.
“You must remember that you will invite a grave pandemic like coronavirus to your homes if you step out. If these 21 days are not managed, the country and your family will go back 21 years… I am not saying this as your prime minister, I am saying it as your fellow citizen, family member.”
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