Srinagar, Mar 23 (IANS): Alarmed by the number of people testing positive for the dreaded coronavirus, authorities in the Kargil district of Ladakh Union Territory have ordered a complete lockdown.

An order issued by the District Magistrate, Kargil has declared an assembly of three or more persons unlawful in addition to banning all social, cultural, political, religious, academic and sports gatherings in the district.

All institutions and services except those directly involved in prevention and treatment of COVID-19 have been shut.

The order has been passed by the District Magistrate under powers conferred in him by the Disaster Management Act, 2005 and the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897.

It must be recalled that COVID-19 threat has become alarming in the Kargil district because of the large number of Shia Muslim pilgrims who have recently returned from Iran.

Over 10 people have tested positive in Kargil while three more tested positive in the Leh district of Ladakh region so far.

These numbers are high given the fact that the total population of Ladakh region is only 2.7 lakh.