SMC vs Kashmir divisional administration over COVID-19

Srinagar, March 11 (IANS) The Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) and the Divisional Administration of Kashmir on Wednesday locked horns with each other over the preventive measures to be adopted for fighting the coronavirus threat.

The SMC issued a press statement on Wednesday afternoon saying that all educational institutions, gymnasia, indoor and outdoor stadia, clubs and sports centres would remain closed within the municipal limits of Srinagar city.

The SMC statement was followed by a statement by Basheer Khan, the Divisional Commissioner (Kashmir), which said that all the educational institutions and other offices across Srinagar city will function normally.

A local news service quoted Basheer Khan refuting the SMC statement.

Khan said, "No such order has been issued by the administration."

Whether the SMC is able to enforce its decision or not, the fact remains that the Divisional Administration had taken the SMC head on with regard to the preventive measures necessary for fighting the threat of the dreaded virus.