In the wake of deadly coronavirus, the Manipur government has shut down entry points of India-Myanmar borders at Moreh.
The state govt in an order said, “In view of the possible threat of transmission of #Coronavirus / COVID-19, the international border with Myanmar has been closed including gate no 1 and 2 in Moreh until further orders.”
“Concerned authorities including district magistrate, IGAR(S), assistant commissioner/Imphal Customs division, state police are instructed to take necessary action immediately, including keeping the concerned gates closed,” the order issued by H. Gyan Prakash, special secretary (home) further said.
Although Myanmar reported no coronavirus cases so far, its proximity and the porous border with China have left many in the Northeast India worried.
Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland and Mizoram share the 1,624 km borders with Myanmar.
The Arunachal Pradesh government has temporarily stopped issuing Protected Area Permits (PAPs) to foreigners to check the spread of coronavirus, officials said on Sunday.
At least 400 people in Assam have been quarantined after they came in contact with an American tourist who tested positive for the new coronavirus.
The Mizoram Congress has asked the state government to seal the Indo-Myanmar border to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
Mizoram shares a 510 km international border with Myanmar.
The Congress in statement on Sunday said that the Indo-Myanmar border in Champhai district should be immediately sealed to prevent the spread of coronavirus.