Church services in Manipur suspended till March 31, markets to remain closed

Our Correspondent

Imphal, March 21 (EMN): To prevent the spread of Covid-19, the All Manipur Christian Organisation (AMCO) has decided to suspend Church worship services with immediate effect till March 31.

The decision was taken in a meeting in Imphal on Saturday, after a thorough discussion in the interest of the general public.

The AMCO appealed all the priests, pastors, and Church leaders of all denominations in Manipur to suspend the Church services till March 31.

"The Christians in Manipur shall continue to pray at home and refrain from public church services. However, any individual may come to Church for prayers in private for victims and eradication of the Covid-19,"  the organisation said.

As precautionary measures, the state government has ordered closure of the main markets across the state, including three Ima markets and temporary markets in Imphal from March 21 to 25.

Commissioner of Manipur Administration, Housing and Urban Development issued an order in this regard on Friday. As a result most of the main women markets in Imphal and other district headquarters remained closed on Saturday.

Meanwhile, special secretary of the Home department has issued an order restricting public climbing of Baruni Hill and Cheiraoching until further notice.

People climb the Baruni Hill and Cheiraoching as a tradition and this year the days for climbing the hills fall on March 22 and 25.

Also, the state chief secretary on Friday issued a memorandum stating the state government plan to reduce the attendance in offices.

In an order, all administrative secretaries and deputy commissioners and heads of departments are directed to ensure that office attendance is limited to 50% for Group B, C and D employees every day and the remaining 50% staff work from home.

Officials who are working from home on a particular day as per the roster should be available on telephone and electronic means of communication at all times and they should attend office, if called for any exigency.

However, the memorandum which will remain in force till March 31, exempted departments, offices and employees engaged in essential, emergency services and those directly engaged in taking measures to control spread of Covid-19.