Manipur: Former CM Okram Ibobi Singh Lashes Out at State Govt for "Irresponsibly" Relaxing Lockdown Hours

Imphal, April 12, 2020:

Former Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh has called the ruling N Biren Singh-led State Government "highly irresponsible" for relaxing the lockdown for a few hours in a grave status of the pandemic.

Ibobi has sought a clarification from the present Chief Minister for the "irresponsible act" amid rising cases of coronavirus.

The Government is answerable and it should reveal the one who suggested the relaxation of lockdown, said the former Chief Minister of Manipur.

While speaking at a press conference held at his quarter in Babupara, Ibobi reiterated that it was the responsibility of the current Government to provide essential commodities to the public. He also demanded whether action is being taken against the ones who imported betel leaves amid lockdown.

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Former State Unit president Gaikhangam, MLA Joykishan, MLA Govindas Konthoujam and MLA Meghachandra were also present at the press conference.

It may be mentioned here that thousands thronged the market areas in Imphal and other areas in Manipur with no social distance or COVID-19 protocol followed during the lockdown relaxation hours.

The former Chief Minister, in response to the irresponsible act, has lashed out at the Biren Singh-led Government for letting people out in the streets without protective measures.

The market was jampacked with people and vehicles on Saturday as the administration had relaxed and ordered shops and petrol pumps to remain open from 6 AM to 11 AM. 

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People rushed to the markets to purchase vegetables and other essential items during the relaxation. Only a few people were seen with their face masks on, which has been made mandatory by the Government.

Social distancing of maintaining one metre distance from each other was not seen at any of the market sites opened at Nagamapal area in Imphal west, Lamlong in Imphal West, Yairipok, Churachandpur among others.

However, according to Nagas Today, people maintained a metre’s distance and stood in queues for medicines at the pharmacies.

The relaxation of the lockdown was however updated late in the evening directing the petrol pumps to remain open only for emergency services. Despite the updated order, almost all petrol pumps in Imphal East and West area were flooded with two-wheeler and four-wheeler vehicles.

There were reports of some who had been waiting in queue since early morning returning with dismay as the relaxation ended at 11 AM and the police on duty closed down the petrol pump at 11 AM.

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It may be mentioned here that the Manipur Government had relaxed the ongoing lockdown due to coronavirus to help people get the essential commodities on Saturday. This step was taken on account of the Easter Sunday and Cheiraoba celebrations. Vegetable vendors were asked to adhere to social distancing norms during the sale, which was clearly flouted.

The Manipur Government had also made it mandatory to wear masks in public spaces from Saturday onwards in a bid to protect its citizens from getting infected with the coronavirus. However, this order by the Government was also set aside while shopping the essentials.

Manipur Government, in an order issued on Friday stated, “Whereas, many experts have opined that the use of masks to cover one’s nose and mouth not only helps in preventing spread from a COVID-19 infected person to others but also helps a healthy person from being infected by the virus; Now, therefore, the Governor of Manipur is pleased to order that all persons who come out in public space will have to wear a mask covering the person’s nose and mouth in public interest.” The order also said that the order would stay in effect until further notice is issued.

It may be mentioned here that Manipur currently has two positive cases of coronavirus.

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