Manipur Government declared that on Wednesday, September 18, the curfew in all of the districts of Imphal West, Imphal East, Bishanupur, and Thoubal will be loosened from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m.
“Now, therefore, restriction of movement of the general public outside their residences is hereby lifted for 18th September, 2024 (Wednesday) from 5am to 8pm for all areas of Imphal West District… This relaxation shall not include any gathering/sit-in-protest/rally etc, without obtaining approval through competent authority,” the latest order issued by additional district magistrate K Jadumani of Imphal West district on Tuesday states. He also adds that the decision was made “to purchase the essential items including medicines and food items” and “developing law and orders in the district.”
On Tuesday, the district administrations of Thoubal, Bishnupur, Imphal West, and Imphal East districts all issued directives that were similar in nature.
It further stated that after the specified period of relaxation ends, curfews will not be imposed again on the movement of people associated with essential services like health, electricity, CAF & PD, PHED, telecom, banking/financial institutions, including ATM cash filling, gas pumps, schools/colleges, municipalities, press & electronic media, court operations, and the to-and-fro of flight passengers to the airport.
In response to the extensive student protests over the government’s claimed passivity regarding the ongoing violence in the state, the Manipur authorities have implemented a curfew in the valley districts, effective from 11 a.m. on September 10.
Ethnic violence has occurred in Manipur, and the government is working to bring peace and normalcy back to the afflicted districts.