Guwahati: Sounding a stern warning, Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh has said that those found violating the Government-prescribed quarantine center norms will be charged under the National Disaster Management Act, 2005, and thereafter be jailed.
Singh's warning came against the backdrop of several instances in the state where returnees have been seen flouting the norms. Biren, who made this announcement while inspecting the UNACCO School at Meitram in Imphal West that is being turned into a temporary quarantine center, said that these violators would be lodged at the Sajiwa Central jail in Imphal. The Chief Minister also said that many have been wantonly flouting the guidelines despite best efforts from the frontline workers to maintain discipline.
Biren pointed out that inmates of a quarantine center in Churachandpur were caught partying on camera. Similarly, quarantined inmates at the Waikhom Mani Girls College in Thoubal were seen flouting rules and staging a protest. These videos have been going viral on social media and led to panic among the masses, as violation of social distancing could lead to outbreak of Covid-19 in these centers.
Manipur, meanwhile, is witnessing a dramatic surge in the number of Covid-19 cases amid the return of citizens who were stranded in other parts of India during the long drawn out lockdown period that was announced by the Centre to curb the outbreak of the Covid-19 contagion. According to Health Ministry data, the state has reported 304 cases of the Covid-19 virus. While 61 patients have been discharged after recovery, 243 patients are still battling the respiratory virus in the state.