A group of youth in Malayalapatti in Perambalur district have taken it upon themselves to ensure that villagers obey the curfew norms and do not venture outside. The village’s two entrances have been barricaded with at least three men on guard at all times.
Speaking to The Hindu , Vinoth Ganesan, who works as a junior assistant in a clinic in Chennai spearheaded the initiative and mobilised 30 others. “Our villagers are mostly farmers and daily wage labourers so the need to go out is not too much. However, people come to purchase produce, such as onions, and we are trying to control that,” Mr. Vinoth said. The youth are also armed with spray guns and hand sanitisers to ensure that the vehicles leaving and entering the village are disinfected. Village panchayat president S. Sridhar purchased the sanitisers and disinfectants. “Although the villagers and local policemen support our initiative, those entering the village do not take it well when we do not allow them in. They say we have no right to do so and that they will complain to the police. Some do not even want to tell us the reason for entering the village,” Mr. Vinoth said.
“We first stop the vehicle and ask why they have come. If it is an emergency, we allow them,” he said. While the vehicle is sprayed with disinfectants, a volunteer gives the visitor hand sanitisers. For those who are not satisfied, a pot of turmeric water has also been kept.
