Pondy standstill, Narayanasamy leads clapping

Puducherry came to a standstill due to the Janata Curfew. The local bus terminals, railway stations and municipal markets wore a deserted look. The entire stretch of beach road which is normally teeming with people, tourists and others was out of bounds for the people as the government had closed the road till end of this month.

Vegetable markets and other outlets suspended theirbusiness. The territorial government had already declared closure of all retail outlets selling liquor, arrack and toddy in Puducherry and outlying regions of Karaikal, Mahe and Yanam which are traditionally wet pockets. All temples, Aurobindo Ashram, Bharathi park and tourist centric boat houses were closed and there was restriction on visitors in several other places of worship.

Lt Governor Kiran Bedi and Chief Minister V Narayanasamy had already made separate appeals to the people to respond to the Prime Minister`s call for the Janata Curfew.As per their request, the people clapped their hands at 5 pm as a mark of appreciation of the work done by the health staff, police and other volunteers.

Kiran Bedi had urged the people of Puducherry not to rush out of their houses immediately on lifting of the janata curfew.

In a video message, the Lt Governor thanked the Prime Minister Narendra Modi for having brought the whole country together. Now, the challenge is what we do after the janata curfew. Do we rush out immediately or do we maintain social distancing? she said, adding that it was not the time for shopping but for essentials only.

Earlier, Bedi, along with Raj Nivas staffs and police personnel, rang bells and clapped hands in front of the Raj Nivas to express gratitude to the health staff.