Srinagar, Mar 20 :Rejecting reports that the Passport Office in Srinagar has been closed for general public, Regional Passport Officer (RPO), Srinagar, B B Nagar on Friday said that only the enquiry counter has been closed in view of coronavirus scare in Kashmir valley till March 31.
However, Mr Nagar requested people to reschedule their appointments voluntary to prevent spread of coronavirus in Kashmir, which recorded its first case after a woman was tested positive on Wednesday.
“It is informed to general public that due to coronavirus and advisory from centre and state governments, we request people to reschedule their appointments for passports and other miscellaneous services till the advisory by the authorities was withdrawn,” he told UNI.
The RPO, however, said people who need passport will be provided services as the office is functional. “The idea behind the appeal is to decrease the influx of people coming in the RPO office so that infection doesn’t spread in the valley,” Mr Nagar said.
He further said that the applicants can reschedule their appointments without being charged anything. “Applicants can reschedule their appointments two-three times and they will not have to pay anything extra,” he added.
He said only the enquiry counter at passport office has been closed for general public till March 31, 2020. “In case of any emergency, people can contract our helpline numbers 0194-2500375 and 0194-2500173,” he added.
UNI B
