Moreh Keithel in total disarray
Source: The Sangai Express

Moreh, July 22 2020: In an unprecedented development, Moreh Keithel has become a messy place amidst COVID-19 outbreak as people seem to have little regard for the safety measures and norms issued by the health authorities and district administration.

The border town, since the extension of relaxation hours, donned a busy and disorganised look with passenger and private vehicles lining up densely along all the alleys of the market.

Some police personnel posted at the area did put in some effort to reduce the congestion, however their efforts could bring little change making the market a seemingly hazardous place.

Further, people coming out to procure essential items and other requirements also did not look to follow safety measures such as maintenance of physical distance and use of face masks.

It may be noted that Civil Administration Moreh and Moreh Police had carried out a publicity on July 12 informing all market goers to compulsorily use face masks and to maintain social distance apart from banning auto-rickshaw service in the Moreh area.

People however have failed to observe the guidelines and at the same time responsible authorities have not fully enforced the required restrictions and guidelines till date.

It is feared that some private schools have resumed its normal classes.

On the other hand, some people have opined that the fencing work and closure of border gates to ensure there is no cross-border transmission of COVID-19, are proving futile as some Myanmar Nationals are reportedly commuting stealthily to and fro and carrying out businesses.

Despite restriction on cross border movement and transaction for many months, plenty of products from the neighbouring countries are still available at the Moreh Market, they said indicating gross mismanagement.

Unhappy with the laxity on the part of the authorities concerned and in view of one person from the district testing positive for the virus yesterday, some also expressed that district administration should impose total lockdown and curfew in Tengnoupal district as done in Thoubal and Jiribam.

If the matter is not checked at the earliest, there is a high possibility that Moreh and Tengnoupal at large will become another COVID-19 hotspot soon, they said.

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