IMPHAL, March 27 - The Manipur Government has accorded top priority to the needs of residents of the State who are stranded in Guwahati and Kolkata on transit due to the countrywide lockdown and suspension of all air, rail and road transport, official sources said.
�In anticipation of their needs, the State Government has ordered opening of the Manipur Bhavans at Guwahati and Kolkata in advance to such bonafide stranded passengers of Manipur,� stated a government notification here today.
�Some appeals for arrangements of transportation had been seen through local media for these stranded passengers. In this regard, their requests have been considered at the highest level of the government and considering the countrywide lockdown announced by the Prime Minister of India which stipulates all citizens to stay put wherever they are now, it is neither possible nor advisable to arrange special transportation for them as that would defeat the very purpose of the lockdown.
They are therefore advised to stay put wherever they are and ensure maintaining proper personal hygiene and strictly adhere to the protocols laid down by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare which has been widely publicised and circulated,� the notification of the General Administration Department said.
In respect of their needs for food and lodging, it has been decided to extend the same free of cost for which they are advised to liaise with the Deputy Resident Officers (DRCs)/Administrative Officers (AOs) who will make appropriate arrangements, the notification said.
Informing that the Government has taken the above steps as some stranded passengers were denied accommodation in hostels or asked to vacate their hotel rooms, it said that the roles of the Manipur Bhavans in helping these stranded passengers are appreciated.
