State wears deserted look as 10-day curfew begins
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, July 18 2021: The 10-day long total curfew imposed by the state government with effect from Sunday to curb the second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic began with full force from Sunday.

On the first day of the curfew, there was no movement along the roads except for essential service providers, medical services and Covid-19 related activities.

SPs took up strict security measures in their respective districts.

Although there is no sign of paramilitary forces being deployed to enforce the curfew, it is stated that the forces could be deployed in case of instances of the curfew violations.

In Imphal West District, SP Dr S Ibomcha led the district police in enforcing strict security measures in and around the district from 4.30 am onwards.

Security arrangements at Uripok, Thangmeiband, Sagolband, Kwakeithel, Kangla Mamang, Singjamei, Minuthong and Nagamapal areas were beefed up, while similar measures were taken up in Airport, Sekmai, Patsoi and Hiyangthang areas.

Some people, who defied the curfew without valid reason, were also caned by the police.

Speaking in this regard, Dr Ibomcha informed that prior to imposition of curfew on Sunday, PA systems were used in various areas of the district on Saturday evening urging the people to stay home during the curfew.

On Sunday morning, those traveling without valid reason were fined and driven back to their homes, while measures were also taken up to prevent unnecessary loitering in localities, he added.

The SP continued that as the public are extending full support to the curfew, there was almost no movement on the roads.

He then said that there is no sign of deployment of paramilitary forces till date.

However, the forces could be deployed if the number of curfew violations were to increase, he conveyed.

Meanwhile, in Imphal East, the district police took up various measures to strictly enforce the total curfew in coordinating with local clubs to prevent people from stepping out of their houses and driving back those found loitering around in defiance of the curfew.

The district also did not witness any deployment of paramilitary forces owing to the people's complete support of the curfew.

Speaking in this regard, Imphal East SP N Herojit expressed that continued support of the public towards the total curfew will help in defeating the pandemic.

Stating that the district police have been using human approach in dealing with curfew violators till date; the SP, however, cautioned that strict action would be taken up from time to time if the violations continue to increase.

On the other hand, Thoubal district police took up strict measures including prohibiting entry into the district without valid reasons along with deployment of security personnel at 21 different places of the district on Sunday.

In this regard, SP Haobijam Jogeschandra said that the people of the district obediently remained in their homes during the curfew.

However, strict security measures were taken up at 21 strategic locations, serving as entry points to the district.

Local clubs and religious leaders also extended cooperation in urging people to stay in their homes.

The district also did not witness any deployment of paramilitary forces as the state police continue to enforce the curfew with the support of the people, he added.

Speaking in this regard, Bishnupur SP Hopson Sapam informed that the district police have taken up stringent security measures including deployment of additional personnel in the border areas of the district.

The police are also coordinating with local clubs in beefing up the security arrangements and as such, no paramilitary forces are being deployed in the district for now, he said.

In compliance to an order issued by Bishnupur DC in-charge H Bobby Sharma, Bishnupur police personnel maintained a strict watch on movement of people in the district.

Compared to the previous curfews, people seemed to extend full support to the total curfew as all business activities aside from pharmacies remained closed in Nambol, Bishnupur, Ningthoukhong, Moirang, Kumbi and Kwakta Bazar areas.

JIRIBAM: Local markets and shops remained closed and the roads wore deserted look except for movement of security forces and emergency services in Jiribam district as total curfew imposed by the state government from Sunday disrupted normal life.

NONEY: Following the 10-day total curfew imposed by the District Magistrate, people of the district stayed in their respective residences.

All the markets including Longmai bazar looked deserted and empty.

The District Police also enhanced foot patrolling and checking of curfew violators at Longmai Bazar and other sub-divisional HQs.

Fines were imposed on the violators while loudspeakers were used to announce the imposition of curfew and for adherence to SOPs strictly to contain the spread of the infectious disease.

MOREH: The 10-day long curfew disrupted normal life in Moreh.

In accordance to an order issued by Tengnoupal District Administration, Moreh Police strictly enforced the curfew in the border Town on Sunday.

Shops, hotels, markets and other business establishments except for pharmacies remained closed.

There was also zero movement on the roads aside from security personnel including Moreh Police and commandos who were on duty.

KAKCHING: The total curfew imposed by the government for ten days was effectively enforced in Kakching and Thoubal district on the first day.

Normal life in the two districts came to a standstill and only a few vehicles exempted from the purview of the curfew were seen plying on the roads.

Kakching district police and Thoubal district police strictly enforced the curfew in their respective jurisdictions.

CHANDEL: Chandel district police, 8th Manipur Rifles along with Covid Task Force Chandel, which was formed by Chandel CSOs, village chiefs, village authorities, Bazar boards and students' organisation, effectively enforced the total curfew in Chandel.

Chandel additional SP O Sukumar said that Chandel PS OC Potshangbam Suraj-kumar and his team strictly enforced the total curfew in Chandel district headquarters Japhou Bazar.

Moreover, the district police personnel on duty in Chakpikarong, Khengjoi, Sajik Tampak and Molcham areas ensured strict enforcement of the total curfew.

8th Bn Manipur Rifles also restricted movement of people along Pallel-Chandel road, he added.

Sukumar maintained that the assistance of Covid Task Force ensured strict enforcement of curfew in villages of the district where police forces could not reach.

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