File image of Manipur agriculture minister V Hangkhalian

After the Manipur government appointed ten ministers as district in-charges, agriculture minister V Hangkhalian who is the in-charge of Churachandpur and Pherzawl districts along with nodal officer P Vaiphei-led state officials started to review the situation and preparedness besides delivery system of the two districts to combat COVID-19 on Saturday.

Chairman T Paukhanlian of Autonomous District Council and other district level officers are also present during the review meet.

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Speaking on the occasion, minister Hangkhanlian said the district has received its normal National Food Security Act rice quota.

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As per the Cabinet decision, the food item is being distributed free of cost to all the needy people.

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In order to ensure equitable distribution of rice, public involvement is needed, he said while adding that civil society organizations and village authorities have been asked to collect the priority lists in every locality.

He said he is in touch with all the MLAs of other Assembly Constituencies of the district and their share of quotas will be given.

Appealing the people not to be panic, minister V Hangkhanlian urged the people to enforce the lockdown and curfew in its true spirit and follow all the laid down safety rules like maintaining personal hygiene and physical distance.

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Clarifying that the lockdown is not against any particular religion but a safety measure for all, he urged the local public – which has a majority Christian population, to continue their worships at their own homes.

Earlier nodal officer Vaiphei informed that plans are afoot to directly lift rice from the FCI godown located in Churachandpur to meet the urgent needs of the two districts. Regarding medical materials, he said adequate Personal Protective Equipments such mask, hand sanitizers etc have reached Imphal on Saturday.

He stressed that people of the interior locations would be considered safe from COVID-19 if they follow the lockdown sincerely and remained isolated during the 21 days lockdown period.

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Deputy commissioners Pawan Yadav of Churachandpur, Mannuamching of Pherzawl, superintendent Amrita Sinha of Churachandpur, chief executive officer Lalthazam of Churachandpur; chief medical officers of both Churachandpur and Pherzawl and other district level officers of both the districts were also present in the gathering.