Imphal: Prohibitory orders in the five districts of the Imphal Valley, Manipur, will be relaxed from 5 am to 10 am daily, according to official notifications issued on Wednesday. This measure aims to allow residents to purchase essential items such as food and medicines amid the ongoing unrest in the region.

The five districts impacted by the orders are Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal, Bishnupur, and Kakching. The relaxation period will enable residents to carry out necessary errands, with the district administrations emphasizing that the decision comes in light of improvements in the law and order situation.

“Due to improvement in law and orders in the district, there is a need to relax the restriction on movement to facilitate public to purchase essential items, including medicines and food items,” said the similar-worded notifications issued by each district administration.

However, authorities have clarified that the relaxation will not apply to any gatherings, large-scale movement of people, or sit-in protests, in a bid to prevent further disturbances.

In related developments, schools and colleges in the Imphal Valley will remain closed until November 23. The closure follows violent protests that erupted after clashes in the Jiribam district. Educational institutions had already been shut down since November 16, and the latest notification extends the closure to ensure safety in the region.

Furthermore, the state government has extended the suspension of mobile internet services for three more days across seven districts, including Imphal West, Imphal East, Kakching, Bishnupur, Thoubal, Churachandpur, and Kangpokpi. The suspension, which was initially imposed on November 16 to curb the spread of provocative content, had already lifted broadband services earlier this week. However, mobile internet services remain suspended for the time being.

The relaxation of restrictions comes as authorities work to restore normalcy in the region, though tensions remain high following the recent wave of violence. 

 

(With Agency Inputs)