Arrangements made for stranded passengers of Manipur

Pothashang News Service: Imphal, March 26, 2020: Manipur government accorded top priority to the needs for shelter and food of stranded passengers of Manipur who are stuck at Guwahati and Kolkata while on transit due to the country-wide lockdown and suspension of all flights, rails and road transport.

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, said a government notification on Thursday.

Some appeals for arrangements of transportation had been seen through local media from these stranded passengers. In this regard, their requests have been considered at the highest level of the government and considering the country-wide 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, it said.

They have been 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.

“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 concerned DRC / AO who will make appropriate arrangements,” said the notification.

For any medical exigencies, they may seek the assistance of the concerned DRC / AO, which may be arranged from the local government medical facilities.

The government has taken these steps promptly considering the fact that some stranded passengers were denied accommodation in hotels or asked to vacate their hotel rooms.

The roles of the Bhavans in helping these stranded passengers are appreciated, the notification said.

Considering the same, the guests are requested to cooperate with the Bhavan administration and adhere to the advices thereof in the interest of all. For any issues that require the attention or intervention of the government, the DRCs / AO have been appropriately advised to bring it promptly to the notice of the government, it added.