Total lockdown for 48 hrs in Senapati district
Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network

Senapati, May 17 2020: A total lockdown in Senapati district has been called by the civil society organisations of the district.

Considering the "urgent necessity to take precautionary measures in view of the COVID-19 issue", the Naga People's Organisation (NPO), the Senapati District Women Association (SDWA and Senapati District Students' Association (SDSA) in their "emergency meeting" held on Sunday at NPO conference hall has decided to impose a 48-hour "total district lockdown" .

According to a joint statement of the three organisations, the 48-hour "total lockdown" will start from 6 am of May 18 and will culminate at 6 am of May 20 covering all parts of Senapati district.

Those exempted services from the "total lockdown" include medical, fire brigade, media and permit holders of stranded persons entering Manipur, the statement further said.

"Therefore, the civil society organisations appeal the public to remain at home and avoid violating the lockdown to ensure strict implementation and combat the spreading of COVID-19," the NPO, the SDWA and SDSA said in their joint statement on Sunday evening.

Meanwhile the Naga People's Organisation (NPO), Senapati District Women's Association and Senapati District Students' Association alleged that the DC had violated all precautionary measures, protocols and guidelines and allowed the entry of 36 stranded passengers during no entry hour at Mao Gate.

It is also alleged that the DC had defied the Government's strict orders and SOP on border entry and quarantine protocol for stranded citizens returning to Manipur and not only allowed unrestricted entry but also hosted dinner for the 36 passengers on May 13, at a multi-purpose hall near DC complex which is not a designated quarantine centre.

The neighbourhood of the hall had also expressed grave concern over the free movement of the returnees who were granted access to ATMs, tea hotels and shops, leaving a trail of serious health concerns as two of the passengers were later tested positive for COVID-19 on May 16, it said.

Considering the outcry, the CSOs have demanded the immediate suspension of the DC and to resolve the issue within 48 hours, failing which the CSOs will launch strong agitation, it warned.

On the other hand, the DC clarified that all he did was to help the passengers which included cancer patients.

He said that he had merely offered dinner to the passenger and a place to spend the night as it was his duty to help the passengers who had endured long days of journey by road.

They left the next morning, added the officer.

Comment