COVID-19: Night curfew (6 pm-5 am) imposed in Manipur till July 15

Imphal: Considering the increasing cases of COVID-19 in Manipur, the state government has extended the lockdown for another 15 days, which began on Wednesday and will go on till July 15.

During this period, a statewide night curfew from 6 pm to 5 am has been imposed, as per an order issued by governor Najma Heptulla.

Any person(s) found violating the curfew guidelines are liable for punishment under the relevant act, the order said.

There shall be complete lockdown and curfew in all containment zones as notified by the district deputy commissioners concerned till July 15, it said.

Also Read: Manipur: COVID lockdown extended for 15 more days from July 1-15

Earlier, chief minister N Biren Singh had also announced that to ease the commuting difficulties, especially those living in the far-flung areas, an inter-district bus services for public transportation will be resumed from July 1 with 50% capacity maintaining social distancing.

However, inter-state bus services remained prohibited except those permitted by the home department to ferry the stranded persons of Manipur from other states.

Other public transportation like auto rickshaw and taxis services will continue to be restricted within Imphal and other parts of the state.

Also, educational institutional shall remained closed in the state. However, all educational establishments are expected to maintain the academic activities though online teaching or virtual platform.

Also Read: Assam govt wants night curfew to continue beyond COVID lockdown 4

During the extended lockdown, all the three Ima Keithels (Mother’s markets) located in the heart of Imphal city and nearby retail shops shall remained shut until further notice or till July 15.

This iconic markets, which are run exclusively by women, had been closed since March 21 due to the pandemic. Citing the livelihood difficulties and being severely affected during the period, women vendors under the All Manipur Nupi Marup (AMNM) have appealed the state government for reopening the market.

Meanwhile, all the central and state government offices shall remained open with total ban of visitors.

Other essential services like hospitals, bank, print and electronic media, petrol pumps and pharmacies shall be allowed to function by maintaining proper Standard Operating Procedures (SoP) and lockdown guidelines.

For movement of cargo and goods from other states, all goods vehicles are allowed to cross inter-state border at Mao in Senapati, Jiribam and Jessami in Ukhrul districts.

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