IMPHAL, Oct 19 - Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh today said the state government is contemplating imposition of a State-wide total lockdown in view of the rise in COVID-19 positive cases.
Chief Minister Biren was speaking to reporters on the sidelines of attending the 222nd death anniversary of Rajarshi Bhagyachandra at the Govindajee Temple in Imphal today.
Rajya Sabha MP Maharja Leishemba Sanajaoba, Social Welfare Minister O Henry and Keirao MLA N Indrajit were also present on the occasion.
N Biren Singh informed that the Government has identified some particular pockets and affected areas. Total lockdown would be imposed in these areas to prevent further spread, he said, adding that the state government has also sought advice from the Centre in this regard.
He also urged the local clubs to get involved in the Government�s efforts to contain the COVID-19 pandemic as people are seemingly less bothered about following the Standard Operating Procedures (SoPs).
Although lockdown had slowed down spread of the disease upto a considerable extent, it had adversely affected the economy as well, he added. As such, many countries have adopted strict compliance of SoPs as the only effective measure to restrict the positivity rate, he said.
Meanwhile, demanding a comprehensive state policy for effectively combatting the COVID-19 pandemic, the representatives of six student bodies staged a sit-in demonstration here today by following the necessary protocols.
The student bodies are Apunba Ireipakki Maheiroi Sinpanglup, All Manipur Students� Union, Democratic Students� Alliance of Manipur (DESAM), Kangleipak Students� Association, Manipuri Students� Federation and Students� Union of Kangleipak.
�We�re demanding a dedicated policy to fight COVID-19 and curb further transmission of the virus,� president N Edison of DESAM said. The student bodies are also urging the State Government to open a dedicated hospital having not less than 500 beds within a week.
Meanwhile, the police department continues to organise COVID-19 appropriate behaviour campaigns in association with the womenfolk, social organisations and women vendors.
