Srinagar, May 18: Amid rapid growth of COVID-19 in Jammu and Kashmir, authorities in central Kashmir’s Budgam district has imposed restrictions under section 144 CrCP.

An order reads that the prevailing health situation due to COV1D-19 has given rise to serious concerns in the country including UT ofJ&K.

Whereas, COV1D-1 9 has a pattern of transmission at a rapid rate, therefore prescribed preventive protocols including avoiding mass gatherings etc. are to be strictly adhered to; iii. Whereas the Government in the UT ofJ&K has already taken series of steps to prevent the spread of NOVEL CORONA VIRUS ( COVID-19) in the UT of J&K which includes closure of all Educational Institutions, Offices. Businesses. Markets etc.

Whereas, there is an urgent need to take further precautionary steps to avoid the spread of this dreadful disease in District Budgam:

Whereas, Section 144 Cr.PC empowers the District Magistrate to issue certain directions/ orders in urgent cases of nuisances or apprehended danger when it is considered that such direction is likely to prevent danger to human life. health or safety etc.

Now, therefore. in view of the above mentioned facts I Tariq Hussain Ganai (KAS) District Magistrate, Budgam in exercise of the powers vested in me under section 144 of Cr. PC do hereby impose restricions /ban on the assembly/ gathering of 05 or more than 05 persons at any public place in entire territorial jurisdiction of Budgam district which includes all towns with immediate effect upto the 31″ of May , 2020 (8.00 pm) and complete restrictions on the movement of people, individuals, transport etc from 7.00 PM to 7.00 AM up to the 31″ of May, 2020 (7.00 AM) except in case of extreme urgency and for essential / medical purposes.

Any violation of this order by any person shall invite strict action under law.

Since it is not possible to serve this order individually it shall be circulated in electronic / print media and social media for information of general public; Issued today on the 18′ of May of 2020 the order copy reads.