Coronavirus: Amit Shah’s visit to Manipur postponed till April 15

Imphal: The proposed visit of Union home minister Amit Shah to Manipur on March 15 has been postponed for a month in view of the prevailing situation following the outbreak of coronavirus worldwide.

This was informed by works minister Th Biswajit Singh, who is also the government’s spokesperson.

Following an invitation from chief minister N Biren Singh earlier in New Delhi, the Union minister was supposed to visit Manipur on Sunday and attend the ceremony to mark the successful three-year completion of BJP-led government in the state.

Considering the seriousness of the infectious disease, minister Biswajit has also urged people in the state for reduction of mass gatherings until the disease is contained.

“The ongoing five-day Yaoshang festival is a very important cultural festival, but we need to take precautionary measures especially during the Thabal Chongba as it involves mass gatherings,” the minister said.

Although there is no confirmed case of COVID-19 in Manipur, various steps have been taken up by the state government, including sealing of border gates and restriction of people’s movement along India-Myanmar border and screening of people entering the state both along the border areas and the airport.

As per reports, so far more than 1 lakh people have been screened at entry points, including Gate No 1 and 2 of Moreh town, Jiribam, Behiang, Sinjol, Tusom, Kamjong, Mao Gate and Bir Tikendrajit International Airport in Imphal.

The state has also ordered the closure of all schools in the state till March 31 as a precautionary step with immediate effect.