AIZAWL, March 25 - A large number of people here today ventured out of their homes to buy essential items, thereby flouting social distancing norms.
Long queues were seen at shops selling essential commodities and pharmacies in the Zarkawt locality here as the local task forces allowed citizens to buy food and medicine from 10 am.
The local task forces of different localities have allowed shops in their respective areas to open for a limited time so that people can buy their daily needs.
Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister K Lalrinliana assured that the State Government has taken all possible measures to maintain the supply chain.
He appealed to the people to stop panic buying and asked retailers not to hike prices.
The minister also announced that free rations would be provided to families covered under the Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) and having Priority Household Cards. Cash-strapped families among AAY card holders will be get concessions, he said.
Lalrinliana reiterated that Mizoram has enough stock of essential commodities to last a few months, and added that trucks carrying essential items would be exempted from the lockdown. He, however, appealed to the people to adopt thrift measures as nobody can be sure what lies in store.
