When Law Makers Becomes Law Breaker
UKHRUl July 29,2021: IT was an entirely different sight when Manipur yesterday proudly welcomed its daughter Mirabai Chanu who had deservedly clinched a Silver Medal in the 49 Kg category in Women’s Weightlifting, Tokyo 2020. It was in fact a 21-year-long wait for India for a medal in weightlifting. Hundreds gathered in the Bir Tikendrajit International Airport while another hundreds stood by the streets to welcome the champion._
The grand reception however received mixed responses as Manipur reels under the relentless impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Due to the surge in covid cases, a statewide curfew was announced from 18 -27, July, 2021, with only limited activities allowed. In a video message to the people, the Chief Minister, N. Biren Singh had requested the people to Stay Home while also warning that strict actions will be taken against any curfew violator.
As multiple videos surfaced in various online platforms yesterday, many people took the irony of the government and the Chief Minister in particular to ridicule and question the government of its real intention of the curfew. In the videos, hundreds of people were seen massed up in the airport as well as in the streets without minimal adherence to SOPs currently being enforced within the state.
Many were left to wonder if the government had no real concerns for the surging pandemic at all, especially when the Chief Minister himself was present in the reception programme. People responded with incredulity while they deprecate the decisions of the government and its law enforcement agencies. More so, the government was criticised for disregarding the law ,while on the other hand, even the daily wage earners are exacted by the government to strictly adhere to the SOPs.
The confusion and discontentment over the incongruity of the government intensified when the extension of the curfew for another 7 days was announced on that same day. What is the use of curfew when the government can repudiate it anytime and anywhere as they please, and when law makers become law breakers?

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