Modi declares 21-day nationwide lockdown 

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday declared a three-week country-wide lock down from midnight.

Signalling the rising threat from the spread of coronavirus, Modi said this drastic measure was necessary to protect the state of India’s health and its economy.

He said, “From 12:00am (local time) on Wednesday there will be complete lockdown in the entire country. This lockdown is in a way a curfew and would be more stringent than Janata curfew.”

“We may have to pay financial cost for this lockdown but it is important for safety of people. This nationwide lockdown will be for 21 days beginning 12 pm tonight,” he said.

“One step outside can make way for coronavirus into your house. With folded hands, I appeal to people not to go out of their homes,” Modi added.

“If we won't follow the nationwide lockdown for 21 days, we will be pushed back by 21 years,” he asserted.

Dhaka/AKA