MMA asks its members to voluntarily keep shops closed

NT NETWORK

Mapusa

In a bid to achieve the ‘purpose’ of lockdown, which is aimed at breaking the COVID chain, Mapusa Merchants Association (MMA)  has requested its members to voluntarily keep shops closed.

In view of the lockdown, weekly bazaar will not be allowed, however, the market will remain open for the general public.

On Thursday, Deputy Collector I Kapil Phadte  wrote to the Chief Officer of Mapusa Municipality, ‘not to allow weekly Friday bazaar at the Mapusa market.’

“Mapusa weekly market to remain closed, however, fish market and municipal market will be allowed to function only with proper arrangement for enforcement of COVID appropriate behaviour like social distancing, use of mask etc,” said Phadte in a letter to the chief officer.

He has further stated that “The administration, including police will strictly monitor the situation on the ground to ensure that everyone follows the COVID norms.”

For creating awareness on provisions of Section 144 of CrPC, and how action could be taken against violators, a joint meeting was called at the Mapusa police station, which was attended by members of Mapusa Merchants Association, taxi owners, and motorcycle taxi pilots. 

During the meeting, all members were explained about Collector’s order.

Phadte said that “we had a meeting with all the stakeholders, and told them about the provision of Section 144 and how police can take action and book the violators for disobeying COVID norms.”

“Police and the municipality staff will monitor market area and they will take action against those violating the order” he said

Speaking to reporters president of Mapusa Merchants Association Ashish Shirodkar said, “How will we break COVID chain if everything remains open? The purpose of having lockdown will not be met. We will request our merchants to keep the shops closed for three days during the lockdown. People will not come if we support this cause and shop owners can voluntarily keep their business closed to break the COVID chain.”

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