In the wake of the State government’s announcement that East Khasi Hills would be subjected to a total lockdown until May 10, the public were out in force to stock up on essential and other items in a spree of panic buying.
In blatant disregard to the protocols issued by the government, people were seen thronging the major market places buying groceries and other items to stock up for the five-day containment period, jostling with each other trying to buy vegetables, meat and packed packaged foods.
“Even before the government made its formal announcement, we came to know about the imposition of the total lockdown through social media,” a lady who was buying vegetables in Ïewduh said.
“This is a senseless act on the part of the government – taking such a decision without thinking about the daily wagers and those surviving from hand to mouth,” R Das said.
In many of the commercial areas in the city, like Ïewduh, Laitumkhrah, Laban, Jail Road and Jhalupara people were seen thronging the shops without fear of the virus. In Jhalupara, the police even tried to disperse the crowds but no one listened to their pleas.
“We hope that the gathering of people during the panic buying does not turn into a super spreader event,” Das added.
Meanwhile, S Marbaniang, a vegetable vendor in Ïewduh, said that the sudden decision to impose a lockdown has put her at a loss, since her wares are perishable.
“I have just received my delivery from Assam and then the government comes up with the lockdown,” she said despondently.
