IMPHAL, Nov 19: The Government on Tuesday announced a temporary relaxation of curfew restrictions in the districts of Imphal West, Imphal East, and Kakching. Residents will be allowed to leave their homes on November 20, 2024, from 5:00 AM to 10:00 AM to purchase essential items, including food and medicines. The relaxation follows an improvement in the law and order situation in the area, though restrictions on gatherings, rallies, and protests remain in force without prior approval from authorities.
The curfew, imposed on November 16 under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, will continue outside the relaxation window. Essential services such as healthcare, electricity, water supply, telecom, banking, courts, educational institutions, media, and airport-related activities are exempt from the curfew.
Additionally, all schools in the valley districts will remain closed on November 20 due to the prevailing situation and concerns for student safety.
Earlier in the day, the Manipur government conditionally lifted the suspension of broadband internet services, three days after imposing it in seven districts. The suspension, enforced amid rising violence, had disrupted the operations of healthcare facilities, educational institutions, and offices. Mobile internet services, however, remain suspended, according to an order issued by Home Commissioner N. Ashok Kumar.
“Considering the sufferings of the common people as the internet ban had affected the functioning of important offices, institutions, and people who work from home, the state government has made a considered decision to lift the suspension in the case of broadband services conditionally,” the order stated.
