Manipur extends curfew in seven districts until May 28

Our Correspondent
Imphal, May 18 (EMN): The curfew, which was imposed in Manipur’s seven districts in view of the sudden surge of Covid infections and fatalities, has been extended for 11 more days with effect from May 18 to 28th.

The districts affected are Imphal West, Imphal East, Bishnupur, Thoubal, Kakching, Churachandpur and Ukhrul.

Manipur Chief Secretary Dr. Rajesh Kumar, who is also the chairman of state executive committee of the state disaster management authority issued an order in this regard on Monday night.

As per the order, all healthcare facilities including animal healthcare, hospitals, clinics, nursing homes and movement of healthcare workers, all pharmacies including those selling veterinary medicines besides all persons going for Covid-19 vaccination, Covid testing and medical emergencies are exempted from the purview of the curfew.

“All employees and personnel staff working in media, power, fire services, PHED, CAFPD, Home, Health, Relief and DM, Forest, Environment and Climate Change, Finance and Treasuries and police departments and district administration are exempted (all other offices to remain closed)”, the order said.

“Only the good vehicles carrying construction materials, oxygen supply related vehicles, LPG and oil tankers, vehicles of other essential services like power supply, fire service, water supply, waste/garbage clearance, public distribution system, medical/Covid services, electronic and print media, internet and telecom service providers and vehicles of personnel of departments/organisations are permitted to be functional”, it stated.

Opening of petrol pumps and LPG outlets and movement of staff of IOCL will continue to be permitted. Imphal airport shall remain open and movement of staff and passengers would be permitted, it added.

Though hotels for lodging will be allowed to remain open with minimum staff, the restaurants will remain closed, it added. Child protection services under ICDS/ICPS (supplementary nutrition for children, pregnant and lactating mothers), home delivery of various goods and services including e-commerce platforms, banking and postal services with limited staff on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10 am to 2:30 pm for urgent transactions and disposal of time bound works besides ATM services including refilling of cash in ATMs, postal services with limited staff are permitted.

There are also some additional permissions and restrictions during the curfew. It includes opening of local vegetable vendors and grocery shops from 7 am to 10 am on May 20, 23 and 26 respectively with the necessary protocols. The residents of the remaining nine districts-Senapati, Kangpokpi, Kamjong, Tengnoupal, Chandel, Pherzawl, Noney, Tamenglong and Jiribam are also directed not to travel to seven districts, where curfew has been imposed.

“The district magistrates shall issue necessary orders and implement the same”, the order further added. Initially the state authority ordered curfew in the districts of Imphal West, Imphal East, Bishnupur, Thoubal, Kakching, Churachandpur and Ukhrul with effect from May 8 to 17th after areas under Imphal Municipal Corporation and Greater Imphal were restricted for 10 days.

Manipur reports 612 new cases