Firdous Hassan
Srinagar: People living in red zones have been left to fend for themselves after the government failed to provide doorstep delivery of essentials in North Kashmir’s Baramulla district.
Two villages in Tangmarg have been declared as red zones after 13 people tested COVID-19 positive. The authorities have blocked the entry and exit points of both these villages.
However, people living in red zones claim the government has not fulfilled its promise of door-to-door delivery of essentials that force them to venture out every-now-and-then.
“A few days ago, a truck with rice arrived in the village but none from the government was present to enforce the social distancing. Now, when 13 people from a single-family have tested COVID-19 positive, people are really scared,” said Muneer Ahmad, a resident of Tangmarg.
Ahmad said locals have no access to medicines and other essentials in the red zones. “People have no option other than to visit a chemist shop to fetch medicines and baby food. Most of the people are consuming dried vegetables for the last few days,” he added.
Similarly, people of Wusan and Palhallan red zones have been left in the lurch after authorities failed to provide essential items including medicine.
“Authorities have imposed strict restrictions for the last few days. But people are venturing out to buy essentials especially medicines. Though the authorities have issued contact numbers of few stores, one has to visit these stores to buy them,” said Waseem Ahmad a local from Pattan.
Divisional Commissioner, PK Pole told The Kashmir Monitor that they are working to ensure the regular supply of essentials to the people. “The administration has already delivered ration to people. For grocery items, we are also working to make it available to the areas which have been declared red zones,” he said.
