Curfew extended till May 28 in Ukhrul
Source: Chronicle News Service / R Lester Makang
Ukhrul, May 18 2021:
The district magistrate of Ukhrul on Tuesday extended the current curfew till May 28, by promulgating orders under Section 144 of the CrPc in the entire district with immediate effect.
The move came a day after State Executive Committee chairperson issued orders under sect on 20(2) (a) of the Disaster Management Act, 2005 vide order No H-1601/6/2020-HD dated 17 May, 2021 for extension of curfew in the district from Tuesday to May 28, in view of the increasing trends in the spread of Covid-19 infection.
The district magistrate, Joseph Pauline Kamson issued the order under Sub-Section 2 of Section 144, Cr PL, 1973, prohibiting movement of any persons outside their respective residences from May 18 to 28, 2021 .
"Adoption of immediate preventive and precautionary measures to strictly enforce the provisions of the 'Manipur Epidemic Diseases (Enforcement of COVID-19 Guidelines) Regulation 2020' is still required in the district," he said in the order.
"Any violation of the above orders will be liable for punishment as per notification No 16/115(50)/2020 H (Covid-19) dated 24-04-2021 issued by Home Department, Government of Manipur," it further cautioned.
At the same time, the order has restricted residents of the nine districts of Senapati, Kangpokpi, Kamjong, Tengnoupal, Chandel, Pherzawl, Noney, Tamenglong and Jiribam from travelling to Ukhrul, along with a similar curb on movement of residents of Ukhrul district prohibiting travel to the other nine districts.
The order, however, does not cover different agencies of the Government Department(s) involved in enforcement of law and order and a slew of other essential services.
Among those exempted included healthcare facilities including animal healthcare, hospitals, clinics, nursing homes and movement of healthcare workers, pharmacies, including those selling Veterinary medicines.
All employees and personal staff working in media, power, fire services, PHED, CAF&PD, Home, health, Relief & Disaster Management, Police Department and District Administration are exempted and all other offices are to remain closed, it said.
"Only goods vehicles, oxygen supply related vehicles, LPG & OII Tankers and vehicles of other essential services like Power supply, fire service, water supply, Waste/Gar-bage clearance, public distribution system, medical/COVID services, electronic and print media, internet and telecom service providers and vehicle of personnel departments/ organizations are permitted to be functional," it continued.
Similarly, Petrol Pumps and LPG outlets and movement of staff of IOCL will be permitted.
Hotels for lodging will be allowed to remain open with minimum staff along with Child protection Services (Orphanages, Children Homes, Observation, etc.), Home Delivery services under ICDS/ICPS (supplementary nutrition for children, pregnant & lactating mothers).
Banking services with limited staff on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10:00 am to 2:30 pm for urgent government and non-government transactions only, would also be allowed, along with ATM services including refilling of cash in ATMs.
It also permits functioning of postal services with limited staff on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10:00 AM to 2:30 PM to dispose time bound works including delivery of medicines and medical equipment.
"All persons going for COVID-19 vaccination, COVID testing and medical emergencies are exempted," it said.
During the curfew, Sub-Divisional Magistrates will act as Incident Commanders along with District Police officers will ensure, that the order is strictly enforced in the district, it added.