Newmai News Network
Imphal | March 21
There was a sharp reduction in mass gatherings in the state capital of Manipur on Saturday owing to closure of market places by a government order in connection with COVID-19 coupled with a 15-hour general strike given by an armed underground group against the titular's decision to join electoral politics.
In its series of preventive measures on COVID-19 in the state, Manipur government ordered closure of all the important market places across the state for five days, from March 21 till March 25.
Following the order of the government, all the important market places, not only in Imphal but in its outskirts, wore a deserted look on Saturday. To enforce the order, a large number of police personnel were seen conducting patrolling in and around the market places of the state capital since early morning.
Taking advantage of the emptiness of the area, police personnel disinfected areas in and around the three Ima markets (all-women markets) and temporary markets in Imphal.
It was a part of precautionary measure being taken up by the state government to check spread of COVID-19 in the state, a police officer taking part in the disinfection drive said.
Meanwhile, the first day of the closure of the market places was coincided with a 15-hour total shutdown call given by Kangleipak Communist Party -Military Council progressive (KCP-MC-P)
The shutdown strike of the KCP-MC commenced from 6 am was in protest against titular king Leishemba Sanajaoba contesting election in the lone Rajya Sabha seat from Manipur as BJP’s nominee.
The group alleged the sending of the titular king as BJP nominee is with a hidden agenda of erasing the long history of Kangeleipak (Manipur) under the Indian colonial rule.
Almost all the shops and business establishment remained downed their shutters for the day. Financial institutions including banks also not functioned for the day.
Petrol pumps also remained closed for the day. A sharp reduction in the traffic volume across the streets in Imphal area and its outskirt was also witnessed.
Similar situations were reported in other valley districts.
Meanwhile, further enhancing preventive measures in the state government, an order of the state Home department issued on Saturday announced closure of all sections of malls, shopping complex except one selling groceries and vegetables. It further ordered closure of all restaurants and public eating joints while asking hotels to serve food in the rooms for their guests.
All conference halls, drama theatres, cinema halls, all tourist spots have also been closed down with immediate effect.
