Our Bureau
NONGPOH/NONGSTOIN/MAWKYRWAT/TURA: The state government has extended the night curfew promulgated in the state in view of the prevailing situation due to COVID-19.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Additional District Magistrate, Pynursla civil sub-division, promulgated an order under Section 144 CrPC read together with Regulation 3 of the Meghalaya Epidemic Diseases, COVID-19 Regulations, 2020, imposing night curfew from 8 pm to 6 am in all the villages within 5 kms from the international border with effect from May 8 till May 31.
Meanwhile, night curfew from 7 pm to 6 am has been imposed in Ri Bhoi district from May 11 till May 18.
The South West Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner, Isawanda Laloo, also issued an order promulgating night curfew in the district from 7 pm to 6 am. Movement of persons above 65 years of age, persons with co-morbidities, pregnant women and children below 10 years old in public places is prohibited except for essential requirements and medical reasons.
In West Garo Hills night curfew has been imposed from 7 pm to 6 am everyday while all activities will remain suspended on Sundays.
50 pc vehicles allowed
on road
The Ri Bhoi district administration has informed that both private and public vehicles shall ply on a rotation basis as per the odd-even scheme. On Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, transport and non-transport vehicles having even registration number (last digit 0,2,4,6 & 8) are allowed to ply on the road, whereas on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, transport and non-transport vehicles with odd registration number (last digit 1,3,5,7 & 9) only shall ply on the road. No vehicles will be allowed to ply on Sundays.
All vehicles can utilise only 50 per cent seating capacity – four-wheelers will ply with two passengers and driver and pillion rider is not allowed on two-wheelers. The driver and passenger are to strictly ensure social distancing, wearing of mask at all times, use of gloves, hand sanitisers and to follow all other advisories of the Health department.
Movement of vehicles carrying essential goods, security forces, medical equipments and shops for repair of trucks on highway is allowed. However, drivers and attendants of the vehicles shall be subject to medical screening as per laid down protocols.
Curfew passes for emergencies can be obtained by applying online on the website www.ribhoi.gov.in.
In a similar order, the West Garo Hills deputy commissioner informed that operation of all forms of public transport will be increased to 50 per cent to be regulated by the District Transport Officer and all vehicles will operate at 50 per cent alternate seating arrangements while auto rickshaws are to continue on odd/even basis.
Private transport will be permitted to operate within the district to the extent of 50 per cent and will ply on odd/even basis from 9 am to 5 pm (odd registration number on odd days and even registration number on even days).
Four-wheelers will have maximum two persons besides the driver while pillion rider is not allowed on two-wheelers.
In West Khasi Hills, 50 per cent of the vehicles are allowed to ply across the district with 50 per cent occupancy.
The Transport department has permitted vehicles having number ML 06/06A ending with 0,1,2,3 and 4 are allowed to ply on the first day and on the next day vehicles having ending numbers 5,6,7,8 and 9 were allowed to ply.
In East Jaintia Hills District, public and private transport vehicles with registration numbers ending with even digits (0, 2, 4, 6 and 8) ( will be allowed to ply on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays whereas vehicles with odd registration numbers (ending with 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9) will be allowed to ply on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. No vehicles will be allowed to ply on Sundays except for those with car passes engaged in official and emergency duties. In South West Khasi Hills, operation of public transport as well as private vehicles will be allowed to the extent of 50 per cent which will be regulated by the District Transport Officer, Mawkyrwat and for two-wheelers, pillion rider is not allowed.
Inter-district movement will be allowed only with valid passes issued by the office of the deputy commissioner.
Violation of any norms and advisories of the government will result in action as per the law, the order stated.