Corona Crisis: Ema Markets in Imphal to be Closed from March 21-25

Imphal, March 20, 2020:

The famous Ema Market of Manipur will remain closed from March 21 to March 25, 2020 in view of the outbreak of novel coronavirus or COVID-19 in the country.

Manipur Governor has issued an order directing the shutdown of three Ema Markets and temporary market in Imphal.

"In view of the outbreak of COVID-19 (Novel Corona virus) in India and around the world and in view of the advisory issued by the Ministry of Health, Government of India as well as by the Department of Health and Family Welfare, Government of Manipur, the Governor of Manipur orders that the 3 (three) Ema Markets and Temporary Market at Imphal city shall be closed from 0000 hours of 21st March, 2020 till 2400 hours of 25th March 2020," read the order.

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The order applies to all kinds of street vendors. It may be mentioned here that Manipur government has closed down all its international gates and Moreh town as a preventive measure. Tourists and traders are also not allowed to enter the territory. Tourists have been asked to postpone their trip and not visit the State till the threat of spread of pandemic coronavirus recedes to a reasonable level.

No ILP, except in very special cases, will be issued after March 20, said special secretary (Home) H Gyan Prakash. Manipur government is taking all the precautionary measures at the entry and exit points, including the Imphal International Airport since January 18.

More than 1.50 lakh persons including air passengers have been screened at entry points including Moreh, Behiang, Sinzawl, Tusom, Kamjong, Mao Gate, Jiribam and the Imphal airport, but there is no confirmed case of the infection in the State.

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It may be mentioned that the Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s proposed visit to Manipur on March 15 was also postponed in view of the Government’s advisory to avoid mass gatherings due to coronavirus.

There will be a lockdown on Saturday and Sunday. The proscribed rebel outfit, Kangleipak Communist Party, Military Council (Progressive), has also imposed a lockdown on Saturday to protest the candidature of Leishemba Sanajaoba, the titular king of Manipur, for the lone Rajya Sabha seat.

It may be mentioned here that India has recorded a total of 223 cases of coronavirus. Four have died due to the infection. The fifth death of a foreign tourist in Jaipur has also been reported. Maharashtra has emerged as the worst affected State in the country with over 50 cases.

245,967 people have been infected with the novel coronavirus globally, out of which, 147,454 are currently active or currently infected cases and 7,388 are in critical condition. 10,048 people have died so far due to coronavirus.

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