CURFEW RELAXATION TILL 3 PM TODAY
Source: The Imphal Free Press
Imphal, June 25:
A semblance of normalcy returned to Imphal city with government offices and commercial banks reopening for the first time in a week today with the indefinite curfew imposed in the greater Imphal area since June 18 last being relaxed for an eight hour period today.
The curfew relaxation period is to be further extended till3 pm tomorrow.
The indefinite curfew, imposed since 1pm of June 18 last in view of the volatile situation arising out of the agitation against the extension of the NSCN (IM) ceasefire to Manipur, was relaxed from 5 am till 1 pm today.
While banks operated for nearly four hours from 9 am, government employees attended offices upto 1 pm, official sources said.
The attendances at government offices are however reported to be very low.
While banks did handle some transactions today, most of them closed well before 1 pm.
With shops in the Imphal bazar area opening, people came out in large numbers during the eight-hour curfew relaxation period to purchase essential items.
Inter district bus services also operated today.
However, enforcing curfew regulations, police and security personnel chased people off the street some minuets before 1 pm.
It may be mentioned that the state government has closed all educational institutions in the state for a week from today onwards in view of the tense situation.
In the meantime, curfew in Thoubal district was relaxed from 5 am to 6 pm today.
Night curfew is continuing in Churachandpur district.
A high ranking official in the state administration told IFP that the situation has improved significantly, and held out hope that curfew may be completely lifted during the next few days.
The officials also denied that there was any difference of opinion between the civil administration and Army authorities.
Meanwhile, an official statement issued today said curfew imposed in Greater Imphal areas of Imphal West and East will be relaxed for 10 hours from 5 am till 3 pm tomorrow.