Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SP)

Udupi, Apr 26: Due to the weekend curfew, the entire Udupi taluk froze. Except essential services, almost all other activities came to a screeching halt. Main roads and circles wore a deserted look as stalls remained closed and v vehicles stayed away from the roads.

The curfew failed to dampen the enthusiasm of the people to get married. On Saturday and Sunday, 644 couples exchanged wedding woes duly obtaining mandatory prior permission of the government.

Other than petrol bunks, medical shops and fruit stalls and vegetable markets for a short time in the morning, all others including KSRTC, city, service and transport buses, movie theatres, hotels, footwear, textile and provision stores remained shut.

The police undertook elaborate measures to regulate movement of people and vehicles during the lockdown period. Barricades were set up at various places including clock tower, Syndicate Circle Manipal etc. Those found moving on the road were stopped and questioned. If the reasons were found to be genuine, the people were allowed to go.

Auto rickshaws undertook limited trips in the city as the movement of the people was scarce.