PM hints at lockdown extension, says situation like 'social emergency'
In an effort to shape a consensus on the ongoing nationwide
lockdown, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday told Parliament floor leaders
that the situation in the country was akin to a “social emergency”, and
indicated the curbs were likely to continue beyond April 14.
Interacting
with them via videoconferencing, the PM said he would take a decision on
extending the lockdown after a
meeting with chief ministers on Saturday.
The
number of coronavirus cases
in the country crossed 5,000 on Wednesday, with 149 deaths, the data from the
heath ministry said.
According to a government statement, the PM said “several state governments,
district administrations, and experts had asked for an extension of the
lockdown”.
Over the last week, Modi has spoken of a
“staggered exit” and a “graded” lifting of the lockdown. Several state governments have also put forward their
suggestions on graded lifting, including running special trains, and allowing
some industrial activity.
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