Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)

Bengaluru, Apr 14: Chief minister (CM) of Karnataka B S Yediyurappa, who welcomed the central government's decision to extend the lockdown period till May 3, indicated that tougher measures would be undertaken in the state in the coming days to regulate spread of coronavirus. He was addressing a press meet here at his home office, 'Krishna', on Tuesday April 14.

"The situation in the state will be closely monitored till April 20. On the basis of the guidelines the Prime Minister (PM) will issue tomorrow, we will hold discussions with officials and decide the nature of lockdown implementation," he said. While thanking the people for their cooperation so far, he said that in case of violation of rules, tighter measures would be enforced. About sale of liquor during this period too he said a decision would be taken depending on the guidelines being given by the PM tomorrow.

It is learnt that the Association of Liquor Shop Owners has approached the CM with a request to allow sale of liquor at least for a couple of hours every day. They drew the attention of the CM towards increased incidents of suicide by liquor addicts, thefts from wine stores etc and sought permission to sell liquor to control this situation. They promised to maintain social distance during liquor sale and also pointed out that expiry dates of liquor are coming near in some cases and their transportation is withheld as only provisions and vegetables are allowed to move on the road. They said they will face huge loss if the situation continues.

In response to the request, state chief secretary T M Vijay Bhaskar, said that further decision will be taken as per the central government guidelines.