The Manipur government has issued new guidelines and standard operating procedures to check COVID-19 in the State.
According to the new order issued by the chief secretary, Rajesh Kumar on Wednesday, who is also the chairperson of the State Disaster Management Committee, all persons at public places should wear face masks without fail.
“Size of family gatherings for social, religious and customary ceremonies should be restricted to 50 or less persons strictly,” the order added.
Size of gatherings for religious, sports, entertainment and cultural functions should be restricted to 100 or less persons only, the order said.
It said all deputy commissioners and SPs should strictly enforce the Manipur Epidemic Diseases (Enforcement of COVID-19 guidelines) Regulations 2020.
Any persons violating these guidelines will be liable to prosecution, the order added.
The chairperson of the executive committee of the State Disaster Management Authority had earlier issued an order to ban the Thabal Chongba or Jatrawali during the Yaoshang Festival.
Yaoshang is celebrated in Manipur over five days in spring, starting on the full moon day of the month of ‘Lamta’ (February-March).
It is considered the most important festival among the Hindus in Manipur. Thabal Chongba is a traditional folk dance, while Jatrawali is a courtyard play. Both are performed during the Yaoshang Festival.