Hyderabad stays at home, steps out to applaud medical personnel fighting the virus

Hyderabad: Hyderabadis on Sunday gave a resounding ‘thumbs-up’ to the ‘Janata Curfew’ call given by prime minister Narendra Modi. They stayed at home all day as part of the exercise to observe home isolation and break the spread of coronavirus infection.

The people of the city also stepped out of their homes at 5 pm and applauded the overwhelming and selfless services rendered by health workers, service providers from various government departments and media persons.

On the streets, the story was, however, slightly different. The city police, which deployed teams of officials at nearly every major junction, checked everyone who was passing by.

Those found to be taking a joy-ride or were out on the streets without a specific reason were given civic discipline sermons. Some were also arrested by the policemen.

People held placards given to them by the police that carried messages like 'avoid crowd be proud', “I support Janata Curfew', and 'Safety begins with cleanliness as a part of social service”.

According to assistant commissioner of police (ACP) Panjagutta, Thirupathanna, the police decided to put those who ‘broke the curfew’ to good use and “create more public awareness.” “And that is why we are asking them to hold these placards,” he said.

Speaking to reporters near the Legislative Assembly building, city police commissioner Anjani Kumar said that while law and order, and traffic police officials were stationed at every junction in the city, self-awareness and self-realization kept 99 per cent of the people indoors.

Barring some individuals staying on the roads and some children on streets, even crowded areas like Begum Bazaar, Secunderabad railway station, Tolichowki, Moazzam Jahi Market, Panjagutta and Ameerpet were totally deserted.

People began gathering outside the gates of their homes or on balconies as the clock struck five to clap and thank the emergency service workers and the doctors.