ITANAGAR, Apr 6: Responding to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call, people of Arunachal on Sunday lit candles and diyas and switched on mobile flashlights to display the country’s collective resolve to defeat the Covid-19 pandemic.
The residents of the capital observed the nine-minute blackout by switching off lights in their residences and lighting candles, diyas, flashlights and the lights of their mobile handsets on their balconies or doors.
The power department had put all arrangements in readiness to deal with the possibility of any adverse impact on the electricity grid, which was not witnessed in the capital after the blackout.
People were also seen standing on their doorsteps in response to the PM’s appeal. In some areas of the capital, crackers were also burst.
Chief Minister Pema Khandu observed the blackout in his private residence near the state circuit house by switching off all the lights and illuminating candles, CMO sources informed.
#9pm9minutes let the spirit of Unity spread. #indiaFightsCorona, Khandu tweeted.
The governor DR B.D Mishra and his wife joined others in the state in lighting diyas on Sunday night to symbolize the country’s fight against the coronavirus, and in gratitude to the frontline workers engaged in combating Covid-19 and those who are on self-quarantine.
While commending the doctors, nurses, paramedics, police personnel, and others who are assisting the people, Mishra again appealed to the state’s people to follow the lockdown procedure and maintain physical distancing.
The ministers and MLAs observed the blackout at their respective bungalows and private residences in the capital.
Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar and DGP RP Upadhyaya also observed the blackout at their official residences, officials said. (PTI)
