The Ministry of Home Affairs has issued a press release stating that people calling and/or gathering in the name of protests, rallies and sit-ins will be arrested.

“Although the government’s directives state that people should not gather in groups or roam around for non-essential matters, if one has to travel they should maintain social and physical distance, use masks and sanitizers, we have found that activities in defiance of such directives are being carried out,” reads the statement.

“Anyone found flouting or in defiance of the lockdown order will be penalized Rs 100-Rs 600 and charged with one month to six months jail term as per Section 3 of the Infectious Disease Act, 2020.”

This move by the government is aimed at curbing ongoing apolitical protests being held across the country by the youth against the government’s inept handling of Covid-19 crisis.