Srinagar, Jul 12 (IANS): Three COVID-19 patients succumbed on Sunday in Jammu and Kashmir raising the death toll to 174. The rising number of cases has authorities worried and panic is setting among the people.

Doctors said three corona patients fighting for life lost the battle on Sunday morning. On Saturday, 11 people, nine in Kashmir division and two in Jammu division died due to the deadly virus.

The number of the infected people has crossed 10,000 in the union territory.

As people completely ignored wearing of masks, maintaining social distancing and other preventive measures, experts say unless the lockdown is re-imposed, the situation in the valley could slip out of hand.

While schools, colleges, universities, coaching centres and religious gatherings are still banned, the decision of the authorities to reopen gardens and parks in Kashmir has evoked strong criticism.

The younger generation of Kashmiris is at the forefront of throwing caution to the wind.

Youth riding motorcycles, cars, etc. are seen in scores rushing to public parks and visiting places of tourist attraction outside the Srinagar city on a daily basis.

Wearing of masks and maintaining social distancing appear to have become unfashionable among the local youth as advice of parents, doctors and senior citizens fall on deaf ears.

Civil society members, doctors, traders and other sections of the society have appealed the authorities to step in to reimpose and enforce the lockdown.

Reacting to the public demand, P.K. Pole, the Kashmir Divisional Commissioner said the demand for reimposing the lockdown is under consideration, but no decision has been taken yet.