A day after the Punjab government imposed a 14-day lockdown in the province; Rangers on Tuesday took control of the entry and exit points of the provincial capital restricting unnecessary travel of people to other districts or cities to control the growing spread of coronavirus.
The Rangers sealed off roads leading to Babu Sabu Interchange. They also barred the commuters, except families in emergencies, to go towards motorway.
A similar situation was also seen on Canal Road right from Campus Bridge to Thokar Niaz Baig. Pickets were set up on various roads with the assistance of police to ensure strict checking of commuters and implementation of Section -144. A contingent of Pak Army scouts was also seen spraying on commuters at many traffic signals.
The closure of entry and exit points not only irked the commuters, especially motorcyclists, but also resulted in close contact of people with law enforcers, raising the fear of contracting virus. Meanwhile, the city police carried out a flag march on major thoroughfares to create awareness among the people about the sensitivity of the situation.
It may be mentioned that many police officials in their respective divisions on Monday night had made announcements via loud speakers that violation of Section 144 would lead to imprisonment or sever repercussions.
Meanwhile, Deputy Inspector General of Police (Operations) Rai Babar Saeed while talking to reporters shared details of ongoing crackdown against the violators of Section-144, and profiteering and hoarding mafia and said so far they have arrested 541 alleged criminals after registration of 233 FIRs against them.