Vox Pop – Locals welcome unlock, caution against complacency

 Authorities have finally allowed people to venture out to meet their needs on a conditional basis. Traders,


 transporters, tourism associates and others were waiting eagerly for the call. However, it is up to the common masses to abide by the guidelines to avoid further lockdown in future. Rising Kashmir spoke to a few to gauge their opinion on the unlock decision.  Mohammad Amir, NatiporaUnlocking is a welcome setup but people, as well as authorities, should keep one thing in mind that the virus is not over. We still need to be cautious about this deadly disease as the fatality rate is rising. Keeping in view the same, the public should avoid the gathering and unnecessary visits to the market places. There is no doubt there was a dire need of unlocking the lockdown as every person in Kashmir valley has suffered tremendously due to continuous lockdown for a long time. However, it is up to people whether they want to get back to normal life or we have to go for further lockdown in the coming

 days. Shahid Nazir, Rajouri KadalHow long we can go for a lockdown as the business sector in Kashmir is on the verge of collapse and unlocking can surely help every sector to recover. However, all people must adhere to the directions passed by the authorities and health experts. If we don't follow the same, there will be no option for authorities rather than imposing another lockdown. Gowhar Abdullah, BarzullaPeople, as well as authorities, seem to be in a hurry. It is fine but Jammu and Kashmir is still witnessing more than 2000 cases on a daily basis with scores of fatalities. No doubt people cannot afford a lockdown for a long period but there is no other option rather being safe. In the coming days, if we witnessed more cases, who is to be made responsible for the same? No doubt authorities did it for the benefit of common people but people are not maintaining social distance nor are they following the SOPs properly.  Maqsood Ahmad Dar, TengporaIt was a demand from all quarters to call for unlocking. Since 2019, the economy of the valley has been badly affected. Continuous lockdowns have broken the back of the common people, especially local traders, transporters, the tourism industry and others as well. Besides this, lakhs of youth have been disengaged from their employment in the private sector. The unlock is a welcome step but we should not forget to follow all SOPs religiously. We should not venture out unnecessarily and step outside with proper gear like wearing facemasks and maintaining social distance and avoiding gatherings. These are prerequisites that need to be obeyed.

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