Curfew silences busy bazars; Polo ground hotels thrive
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, November 27 2024: Manipur could be one the peculiar states where government orders could not be implemented uniformly for all sections of the society with some possibly defying prohibition through corrupt or other means.

Presently, government imposed curfew in valley districts to contain the violence lingering for over 18 months with the restriction by the state administration forcing the otherwise congested and boisterous Paona and Thangal bazars in the heart of Imphal city to remain in silent mode, literally.

In complete contrast to stark silence in the two important markets of the city, hotels on the western end of the historic Polo ground remain open and noisy with bright lights till late evening.

In the wake of abduction of three children and three women in Jiribam district by Kuki militants on November 11 and recovery of their bodies on November 16, a spontaneous and intense public movement erupted in valley districts particularly in Imphal West and Imphal East.

During the movement, residences of ministers and MLAs were vandalised and many vehicles belonging to the legislators torched.

To curtail the public movement, the state administration imposed curfew in all the valley districts with the same continuing though relaxed for seven hours (5am to 12 noon) daily since the past few days.

During the curfew relaxation hours, hectic business activities are seen in the heart of Imphal city particularly in Thangal and Paona markets and at three Khwairamband Keithel.

Just after the end of curfew relaxation hours, police use loudspeakers to ordering closure of shops and advising the people to return home.

After few moments, the busy and noisy Thangal and Paona markets as well as Khwairamband Keithel resemble a deserted city.

Except for medical stores, all shops and business establishment in the heart of Imphal city down shutters after the few hours of curfew relaxation.

However, hotels near the Polo ground remain open despite curfew till late evening with bright lights.

The area remains lively till late evening as scores of people loiter in intoxicated state after consuming liquor available in the hotels.

The area indeed is popular among habitual drinkers.

However, why the area is not covered under the curfew rule is being questioned from certain sections of people with many suspecting that sale of liquor in shops and hotels in the area are allowed for filling pockets of some powerful individuals.

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