NEW DELHI, April 10 - Marking an end to all possibilities for mass celebration of Rongali Bihu next week, the Centre on Friday directed all States and Union Territories to strictly adhere to the ongoing 21-day lockdown guidelines and not allow any festival, including social or religious gathering and procession.
Although the Assam government has been suggesting a symbolic celebration of Bihu festival, which also marks the beginning of the Assamese new year, the Ministry of Home Affairs stated that it is ordering strict compliance of lockdown measures to fight the COVID-19 in the light of the ensuing festivals in April 2020.
The Consolidated Guidelines on Lockdown Measures being undertaken by the ministries of Government of India and the State for containment of COVID-19 epidemic in the country were notified by Ministry of Home Affairs on March 24, 2020 and further modified. Clause 9 and 10 of the Consolidated Guidelines state that no religious congregation will be permitted without any exception and all social, cultural, religious functions and gatherings shall be barred.
Official sources said that it has been communicated to State governments to inform district authorities and field agencies on the specific prohibitions as mentioned in the Consolidated Guidelines on Lockdown Measures and that they should take all required preventive measures for maintenance of law and order, peace and public tranquility.
Appropriate vigil on social media should also be maintained against circulation of any objectionable content, it adds.
The MHA�s communication further stated that for the attention of the public authorities, social, religious organisations and citizens, the respective provisions of the guidelines should be widely circulated. It added that for violation of any lockdown measure, action under the relevant penal provisions of the Disaster Management Act 2005 and IPC should be taken by the law-enforcing agencies.
