Normal life came to a grinding halt in seven districts of Manipur as a weeklong curfew was enforced across these seven selected districts to stop the spread of COVID-19 cases.
The state government decided to impose the curfew in the seven districts in view of the increasing trends in the spread of infection which has become even steeper, the order directing district administrations to impose the curfew till May 17 stated.
The districts which are under curfew for the straight nine days are Imphal West, Imphal East, Bishnupur, Thoubal, Kakching, Churachandpur and Ukhrul.
The order issued late on Friday added that night curfew from 7 pm to 5 am will remain in place in other districts of the state.
Following the order, district administrations of the seven districts issued orders imposing curfew in their respective districts for nine days by promulgating sub-section 2 of section 144 of CrPC 1973, prohibiting the movement of any person outside their respective residences from May 8 to May 17. However, “permitted activities” which included among others healthcare, essential services and goods vehicles, the Imphal airport shall also remain open.
With the commencement of the curfew, normal life in the districts severely have been affected as all public transports, offices and other commercial establishments, barring those dealing with essential services, remained closed as strict restrictions are clamped.
For Imphal West and Imphal East districts, various restrictions were also ready in place as major portions of Imphal West and Imphal East districts had already been under seven days containment zone since May 1 which was extended till May 16.
Movements in case of health emergencies, vaccination and buying essentials is allowed.
The police in these districts have a hard time to enforce the curfew and create awareness on the prohibitory orders being promulgated. They use public address systems in asking the people to remain indoors.
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