Evening daily

Imphal TimesRegd.No. MANENG /2013/51092 Volume 7, Issue 241, Thursday, April 9, 2020 Maliyapham Palcha kumsing 3418 Rs. 2/-

By Raju VernekarMumbai, April 9

An FIR was registered byNagpur police against eightMyanmar nationals, allmembers of the “TablighiJamaat” organisation, forallegedly violating self-quarantine rules and staying ata mosque in Nagpur, inMaharashtra, withoutinforming the local police, onWednesday. These persons did not attendthe religious congregation byTablighi Jamaat at Nizamuddinin Delhi last month, which hasemerged as a major coronavirushotspot in the country.However they have beenstaying in mosque in violationof regulations, official sourcessaid. The eight persons, all hailingfrom Yangon city of Myanmar,arrived in Nagpur on March 7.After staying at a mosque inGittikhadan area till March 21,they shifted to another mosque

IT NewsImphal, April 9

Amidst hectic preparation tocontain the pandemic COVID-19 from spreading in the stateof Manipur, a crack emergesbetween Deputy ChiefMinister Yuman Joykumar andthe Chief Minister N. BirenSingh.BJP MLA S. Rajen whilereacting to a statement byDeputy Chief Minister YumanJoykumar, who is also thelegislature wing leaderNational Congress Party(NCP) today hit a slashingcriticism over his mockeryremark to the Chief Minister’sannouncement fordistribution of 4 Kg of rice atfree of cost from the NFSA ricequota of April month.Simmering tension betweenthe Chief Minister and the

Cracks visible between Dy. CMand CM amidst hectic

preparation to fight COVID-19deputy chief minister wasnotice by the people afterYumnam Devjit Singh , son ofthe Deputy Chief MinisterYumanm Joykumar wasarrested in connection with hisstatement against the PrimeMinister of India which spreadthrough social networkingsite. The matter was blanketedfor some time until the DeputyChief Minister yesterdayopenly called the assurance of4 Kg rice to each person ‘a madman promises’.The deputy Chief Ministerwas telling people that it isnext to impossible ofdistributing rice to all thepeople as the rice is notsufficient.Clarifying to the statement ofYumnam Joykumar, by termingit as ‘misleading’, S. Rajen saidthat monthly quota underNFSA for Uripok Assembly

constituency is 1269.60quintal. In this crisis timeconsidering the UripokAssembly constituency asurban area which is denselypopulated, additional 200quintal of rice procured undermarket price has been allottedby the chief Minister to makesure that every persons get atleast 4 kg of rice per head.“Total rice allocated was1469.60 quintal and has beenlifted from the godown by theDeputy Chief Minister onMonday” Rajen said addingthat if the total rice isdistributed 4 kg per head thena total of 36,740 will get thebenefit.He termed the statement ofDeputy Chief Minister asirresponsible. MLA Suchindro(Yai) was also present whilegiving the clarificationstatement.

IT NewsImphal, April 9

Panic over the pandemicCOVID-19 has almost shutdown all hospitals includinggovernment run hospital in thestate for non-COVID-19related disease. Even asgovernment hospitals likeRIMS and JNIMS are open foremergency patient, not manyattended due to fear of gettinginfected by COVID-19 as boththe hospitals are treatingCOVID-19 positive patient.Moreover, those visited tooare also facing difficulties ashospital management arebusy preparing to deal COVID-19 related patient.When enquired at both RIMSad JNIMS authority, it isconfirmed that both thehospitals provide health careservice and treatment toemergency patient but not so

Hospital still provide treatment to non COVID-19patient ; For Shija patient have to registered at6033 834 723 before coming to the hospital

many came as the OPD hasbeen closed.On the other hand ShijaHospital and Research Center,is putting all effort to providehealth care service toemergency and needypatients by subsiding the riskof landing the entire hospitalinto quarantine.Talking to Imphal TimesSuperintendent of SHRI, Dr.Jugendro said that they havealready provided a telephonenumber (+91 6033 834 723) forregistering of patient in needof medical care. However, onlyemergency patient areregistered after taking his orher history.“As for normal patient we giveadvice, if possible with mildmedicine which are availableafter proper enquiry”, Dr.Jugindro said.Dr. Jugindro further said thatSHRI management is

frequently I touch withPsychiatrist from RIMS tostudy the mental impact of thelockdown due to the pandemicCOVID -19.Emergency Conditions whichcan be entertained atEmergency Department, ShijaHospitals are1. Trauma ( Road TrafficAccidents/ Assault/ fall fromheight/ drowning/ burns)2. Heart Attack ( Chest pain)3. Acute Stroke4. Seizure5. Altered Mental Status6. Patient came withunconscious state7. Severe headache8. Acute abdominal pain9. Loose motion10. Multiple vomiting11. Accelerated HTN12. Uncontrolled DM13. Anaphylaxis (AcuteAllergic reaction)14. Shortness of breath

15. Asthma Attacks/ COPD16. Hemoptysis ( blood incough) 17. Hemetemasis and Malena( blood in stools)18. Pancreatitis19. Cholelitiasis ( gall stone)and cholecystitis20. SAIO ( Subacute Intestinalobstruction)21. Acute Appendicitis22. Lacerated wound23. Amputation24. CKD(Chronic KidneyDisease) with fluid overload/Emergencies in renal failureand dialysis patients25. Urinary tract infections26. Hematuria ( blood in urine)27. Urinary retention ( esingchatpa yadaba)28. Poisoning29. Dog bite30. Snake bite31. Acute Anal Fissure32. Thrombosed or prolapsedpiles

FIR against 8 Myanmarese staying at mosque in Maharashtrabuilding in Tehsil area withoutinforming the police andflouted the self-quarantinerules. They were staying at amosque in Nagpur withoutinforming the localadministration, which alsoamounts to violation of theForeigners Act. Acting on a tip-off, the policerecently conducted checking atthe mosque where they foundthe foreign nationals andinformed the healthauthorities. As a precaution all the eightpersons, have beenquarantined at an MLA hostelin Nagpur. They have beenbooked under IPC Sections 188(disobedience to order dulypromulgated by publicservant), 269 (negligent actlikely to spread infection ofdisease dangerous to life), 270(malignant act likely to spreadinfection of disease dangerousto life). They have also beencharged under provisions ofthe Foreigners Act 1946 and

the Disaster Management Act1897 (as amended in 2005). In similar incident the NaviMumbai Police on Sundayregistered an FIR against threePhilippines nationals and sixIndians, including a trustee ofa mosque in Vashi, in NaviMumbai. The case was filedagainst the foreign nationalsfor violating visa norms andentering Navi Mumbai illegally,while the mosque trustee wasaccused of hiding the foreignnationals in the wake of Covid-19 spread. One of these accused Filipinosdied of Covid-19 infectionrecently. The patient whoinitially tested positive fornovel coronavirus, was undertreatment at the BMC runKasturba Hospital in NorthMumbai. Then he was shiftedto a private hospital after histest report came out to benegative. However, he died atthe private hospital late nighton March 23. A person from the Noor Masjid

in Vashi tested positive fornovel coronavirus. Somelocals had pointed out aboutsome foreigners staying in themosque. However, whenpolice reached the spot, thoseat the mosque refused to talkand also opposed to getthemselves tested. They toldpolice that their religion forbidssuch testing. Later, police senta doctor to convince them,following which, they agreedfor the test. The test results were positivefor the trustee of the mosque,his one-and-half-year-oldgrandchild, daughter-in-lawand one other family member.In total, six out of those fromthe mosque, who were put inisolation, were confirmed withCovid 19 infection. According to police, thetrustee had invited the peoplefrom the Philippines belongingto Tablighi Jamaat. The foreignnationals travelled, met peopleand gave sermons.The trustee had hidden these

foreigners in the mosque whenthe novel coronavirus startedemerging in India. Thesepeople stayed in the Mosquebetween March 10 and March16. A case was filed against thetrustee and foreign nationalsunder Sections 188(Disobedience to order dulypromulgated by publicservant), Section 269(Negligent act likely to spreadinfection of diseasedanger-ous to life) and Section270 (Malignant act likely tospread infection of diseasedanger-ous to life) of IndianPenal Code (IPC), Section 3and 4 of Epidemic Act 1897,Section 14 of Foreigners Act1946 and Maharashtra Covid-19 rule recently brought intoforce. As o f now, theadministration is trying tofind all those people whocame in contact with theseinfected persons so that thespread of Covid-19 could becurtailed.

IT NewsImphal, April 9

Chief Minister N. Birenappealed to the people of theState to fight collectively andwin the war againstcoronavirus. This was statedby him in a video message tothe people of the State today.Seeking the support andcooperation of the people,Chief Minister said that savingthe lives of people is the top-priority of the government atthis hour of pandemic. Thegovernment is fully preparedto fight the coronavirus, headded. He maintained that thegovernment has enough stockof medical equipment such asPPEs, 3-layer masks, N-95masks, hand sanitizers, handgloves, non-contactthermometers, sodiumhypochlorite etc.Considering the currentsituation of the disease in thecountry, Chief Minister hintedthat the ongoing nationwide

Let’s fight and win the waragainst COVID-19 : CM

lockdown must be extendedfor some days to check thespread of COVID-19 in thecountry. He opined that as thedisease is highly contagious,we must take utmostprecautionary measures tostop further spread of thedisease. Till now, the State hasreceived four consignmentsof medical equipments andessential medicines from theMinistry of Health and familyWelfare, Government of Indiaunder the supervision of PrimeMinister Narendra Modi andHome Minister Amit Shah, headded.Acknowledging the talentsand potential of the doctors,nurses and paramedical staffsof the State, Chief Ministerappreciated the team of theJNIMS, Imphal who havetreated the first COVID-19patient of the Statesuccessfully. He expressedhis gratitude over the team fortheir tireless work andannounced that thegovernment would give acash reward of Rs. 35 lakhs tothe team. He thanked Dr.Uthan, Dr. Manojkumar whovolunteered and led the teamto treat the patient at JNIMS.Chief Minister also stated thatthe government is activelyconsidering to provide cashincentives or awards to thosewho are working at thefrontline.Clarifying about the proposedconstruction of a quarantinecenter at Langthabal, hestated that the governmenthad called off the constructionas many clubs and individualshave raised their discontentover the construction at thesite. He assured that thegovernment is committed toconstruct a dedicatedquarantine center at anundisputed land.

Stating some of the recentmeasures taken up by thegovernment, he mentionedthat the State Cabinet hasdecided that upto Rs. 25 lakhscan be used in each AssemblyCostituency under MLALADfund for COVID-19 relatedexpenses as one time measurefor supply of essentialcommodities, protective gearlike mask, sanitizers, drinkingwater etc. Under the fair priceshop system, 2-3 shops ineach district will be identifiedfor district level supply of PDSrice, he added.The Chief Minister informedthat ex-gratia for around 62,000beneficiaries under IndiraGandhi National Old AgePension Scheme, IndiraGandhi National WidowPension Scheme and IndiraGandhi National DisabilityPension Scheme amounting toaround Rs. 310 lakhs has beenreleased. Manipur Old AgePension Scheme for 12 monthsamounting to around Rs. 11crores and Manipur Old AgePension selected through ‘Goto Village’ amounting toaround Rs. 2.5 crores will bereleased soon. CMSTscholarship for 110 studentswith disability for a durationof one year will be released.CMST- caregiver allowance to4,879 persons with disabilityamounting to Rs 5.85 croreshas been released by thegovernment.N. Biren Singh also appealedto the people to stop postingany message or videos onsocial media which can incitecommunal tension in the Stateat this hour of grief.On the occasion, ChiefMinister informed that theCentre has given its nod forthe setting up of a StateMedical College atChurachandpur.

Donations toCM’s CovidRelief Fund DIPRImphal, April 9

Donations to CM’sCOVID-19 Relief Fundis coming from differentsections of the society.Md. Abdul Nasir, MLA,Lilong AC donated Rs.100,000, L. Rameshwor,MLA Keirao A/Cdonated Rs. 50,000, AllManipur Gazetted &Staff NursesAssociation donatedRs. 50,000, HeikrujamManoj Singh donatedRs. 100,000, The RoyalAcademy of Law, Oinamdonated Rs. 101,000,Association of RetiredForest Service Officersdonated Rs. 112,000, Dr.Ningombam Jiten Singh,Deptt. of ENT, RIMSdonated Rs. 10,000, Dr.A. Ibomcha Sharma, IISdonated Rs. 10,000, S.Netrajit Singh, Lamsangdonated Rs.10,000,Romiyo Laishram,Vistarak, BJP ManipurPradesh donated Rs.10,000,AhongshangbamRobot,ThangmeibandYumnam Leikai donatedRs. 10,000, SoraishamThoiba Singh,Sagolband Sayangdonated Rs. 10,000, K.Anand Sharma, KhuraiKongpal LaishramLeikai donated Rs.100,000, PWDDepartment donated Rs.999,423, Manipur PWDEngineers Associationdonated Rs. 150,000,Most Rev DominicLumon,Archbishop ofImphal donated Rs.200,000, Most RevDominicLumon,Archbishop ofImphal donated Rs.300,000, Mrig MrinalDhawan, FamaMarketing donated Rs.100,000, ManipurNursing Councildonated Rs.123,001,Manipur Tourism Forumdonated Rs. 200,000,Inat LainingPunsinnaba Lupdonated Rs. 17,000,FINGODAP, Manipurdonated Rs. 100,000,High Court EmployeesAssociation donatedRs. 206,274, BJP Mahila,Sugnu MandalDonated Rs. 50,000, AllManipur MedicalStudents Associationdonated Rs. 20,000,Cine Actors GuildManipur donated Rs.50,000, BharatiyaMajdoor Sangh,Manipur donated Rs.50,000, Soma Laishram,Actress donated Rs.30000, Ima LeishemInaat Loishang donatedRs. 350000.Apart from all theindividuals andorganisations mentionedabove, many havedonated to the relief fundonline as well. The ChiefMinister has expressedprofound thanks to allthose who havecontributed to the fund.

Govt. employeesholding NSFA

ordered tosurrender the Card IT NewsImphal, April 9District Administration ofBishnupur has order allgovernment employee of thedistrict possessingbeneficiary card issued underNational food security Act,2013 to surrender to the DC,Neeta Arambam within 7 days.An order has been issued bythe Deputy commissionerBishnupur district today.

Diesel distributedIT NewsImphal, April 9President of the BJP KisanMorcha State ManipurPradesh, Kh. Nabakumardistributed 300 liter of diesel oilfor double cropping farmers andother farmers of the Kumbi ACunder the supervision of theRelief committee BJP ManipurPradesh.

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Page No. 2

Edited by Rinku Khumukcham, Owned and Published by Iboyaima Khuman at Keishamthong Elangbam Leikai, Imphal and Printed by him at M/s Imphal Times Printers, Elangbam Leikai Imphal West, Contact No. 2452159, Resident Editor- Jeet Akoijam

By -Lata SundariIPR Department, Govt. of Manipur

Many of us are quite familiar withthe hibiscus plant. Name any place: they are seen growing almosteverywhere in the nearby orchards,gardens ,courtyard and far-awayfarms and fields. The flowers comein a variety of colors. They can bered, yellow, white, or peach-colored, and can be as big as 6inches wide. Belonging to theMalvaceae family, this evergreenplant has strong branches andtrunk with dark green, shiny,smooth, and oval-shaped leaves.Apart from having a bright,colourful appearance, hibiscusflowers have medicinal propertieslike controlling cholesterol andblood pressure levels, treatingcancer, heart disease and obesity.The calyces of the plant is the basiccomposition of the herbal drinkscontaining hibiscus. Going back tohistory, it is believed that theEgyptians used hibiscus tea to treatfever, heart and nerve diseases. It isalso used in certain patients as adiuretic to increase urineproduction. The anthocyaninspresent in hibiscus is the keyingredient giving the plant its anti-cancer properties. Reports foundthat the hibiscus extract might havean effect on metabolism, preventingobesity and fat buildup in the liver.Hibiscus(Hibiscus rosa sinensis) isa wonder plant when it comes tobeauty treatment for hair and skin.It is the basic composition of all haircosmetics like oil, tonic, shampooand conditioner. It is believed thathibiscus promotes hair growth andprevents premature hair greyingby reducing exces s ive bodyheat, stimulating blood circulation

Multi-Tasking Role ofHibiscus in Keeping Sound

Healthto the scalp and increasing thesupply of essential nutrients to thehair follicles. In addition to makingthe hair smooth, silky and softtexture, hibiscus is a good treatmentfor alopecia and hair fall too.Hibiscus flowers are widely usedin the treatment of pimples andbleeding disorders due to theirpitta-pacifying action and anti-hemorrhagic properties. It alsocomes to the rescue for relievingpainful menstruation. hemorrhoids,urinary disorders e.g. UTI,insomnia and skin disorders. Ashibiscus has a cooling, diureticeffect on the body, it is normallyprescribed by doctors as a naturalremedy for hormone balancing,hypertension and better bodymetabolism. Aqueous extracts ofhibiscus also appear to exert aslight antibacterial effect.Components of hibiscus haveshown potential as achemopreventative agent againsttumor promotion in laboratory andanimal studies. These componentsalso possess anti-inflammatoryproperties. Apart from the hibiscusplant been used as a mild laxative,research have been carried outrelating to its use in preventingrenal stone formation, as well asits respira tory and seda tiveeffects.Summing up, we find that thehibiscus is a wonder plant that hasa multi-dimensional use when itcomes to medicinal and healthbenefits. It is a boon when it comesto countering numerous diseasesranging from the very severecancer to the lightest skin and hairailments.

****The writer can be reached at- latasundari17sep@gmail.com

Besides COVID -19 ,Mental health issueand other diseases

should also beprovided health

care accessFighting Coronavirus invasion is a top priority for all the

countries across the globe with the number of fatalitiesreaching 88,528 and as many as 1,519,066 infected by thedeadly virus. The number of fatalities in India alone reached183 due to COVID -19 with active positive case of 5228 asrecorded till today noon. Like every country, India too is gearingup every possible measure to contain the virus from spreadingin the country and leaving no option the country has been putunder complete lockdown.

For the state of Manipur, the kind of initiative taken up bythe state government in compliance with the directives of theCentral government is commendable. This newspaperyesterday reported that the state is prepared to face anychallenges of COVID-19 if in case the number rises. And withthe dedicated service of the health workers under the strictsurveillance of the Chief Minister and his team, one amongthe two COVID -19 positive patients has been recovered. Therecovery of the first COVID-19 case who has been undergoingtreatment at JNIMS shows sign of relief to the people. Nowthe state recorded only one COVID-19 positive case and he isundergoing treatment at the RIMS isolation ward. Persons whohave been speculated to have been communicated with thevirus through the 2 positive cases were all under quarantinedand what is important to note down is that no person who wasclosed to these persons was not affected by the virus. Still,then all those suspected are under quarantined. Besides, thereare over 200 suspected persons who have a travel history ofvisiting the affected countries are being quarantined and sofar no report of the positive case has been found.

Now, it is 18 days, that the state of Manipur has been putunder complete lockdown freezing all movement and businesstransaction except for the essential commodities. Whethersome people satisfied or not the state government is workingwith extreme seriousness to make sure that every citizen doesnot remain hungry during the lockdown period.

But one thing that the government seems to have forgottenis that before the invasion of the Coronavirus almost allhospitals including the private hospitals were packed manytimes. These people who visited hospitals either at RIMS orJNIMS or any other private hospitals have some kind of illnessand for that matter, they came for treatment.

Why did all the hospitals bore with much fewer patients inthese hospitals? Does that mean that after the Coronavrusthere are no other illnesses in the state? Or is it because thosepatients in need of consultation from doctors do not knowwhere to go as most private hospitals have been close foroutpatient treatment.

Well, state health department authority under the supervisionof Chief Minister N. Biren Singh and his team is doing well todeal with the COVID19 cases. While doing so they should planalternative measures for common people’s health service excessthat are not related to the COVID-19 cases.

Except for one private hospital – the Shija Hospital andresearch center, even the hospital run under the stategovernment seems to have taken up measures to providehealth service facilities to patients who are not related to theCOVID-19 case. This newspaper today reported on how theShija Hospital and research center has been taking up ameasure to make sure that patients unrelated to COVID -19case could be treated in the time of need. But the managementof these private hospitals is taking the matter with extremeseriousness. For those emergency patients, they provide aphone no. +91 6033 834 723 for registering a patient first sothat they make sure that people in their hospital complex aresafe from the virus if in case. Those with mild problems wereadvised through the phone.

The state health department authority should immediatelytake up measures to provide health care service which are notrelated to COVID-19 case. It’s better than the governmentauthority makes no mistake even at the time of crisis.

Another serious problem that the state needs to prepare isto face the mental health problem of the people due to theprolong lockdown. Some country including India and states likeManipur seem to have forgotten about the impact on mentalhealth due to the lockdown and social distancing. In New SouthWales in Australia Psychiatrists and mental health-relatedconsultants are working out to face the probable impact on themental health of the public either during the lockdown period.

This part of the health issue should not be let down. Rememberwe are living in a society and lockdown is only a short termmeasure and the world will run again as soon a cure for thevirus is invented. And people’s mental health status is animportant issue in the running of society.

IT NewsImphal, April 9

In the wake of the COVID-19outbreak, the Regional Institute ofMedical Sc iences Hospital,Imphal has been disinfectinghospital prem ises such asDoctors’ Duty Room of COVIDHospital, Vira l Research andDiagnostic Laboratory (VRDL),Isolation Ward, approach road toIncinerator etc. using sodiumhypochlorite, considering thelarge number of people who visit

RIMS Hospital complex sprayed withsolution of sodium hypochlorite

these places with the support ofManipur Fire Service, Governmentof Manipur. Further, it will bedisinfecting other locations thatsee cro wds by using the firebrigade.The program was initiated by Prof.A. Santa Singh, the Director, RIMSand under the supervision ofMedical Superintendent of RIMSHospital, Prof. Ch. ArunkumarSingh. The program wasparticipated by the members of TheNon-Teaching Employees WelfareAssociation of RIMS, Imphal.

Sir,

Distribution of essential commodities (either from govt. or from privateindividuals) by volunteers in almost all localities poses a great risk inview of the highly contagious nature of Covid-19. So, the stategovernment may be requested to devise a protocol to effectivelydistribute items to public without risk.Suggestions:

1) At least 4-5 young volunteers from each registered Local clubmay be officially identified, given proper instruction, providedidentity cards, and entrusted with home delivery services in therespective localities - for all kinds of essential items - from whoeverdonor or govt side. They should be made responsible for strictcompliance of Social Distancing norms.2) The elected local body (Panchayat or Municipal Corpn or ADCs)members may be entrusted to ensure that essential items meantfor distribution reach the doorsteps of needy families, and thealso to ensure that nobody gets out of home for availing suchdistributed items.3) By involving the officially identified volunteers of Local Clubsand elected local body members, we can ensure strict complianceof Lockdown protocol. Otherwise, the scenario in each and everylocality is not only chaotic and festive, but also highly risky.

With regards,Seram Neken

Singjamei kshetri Leikai, Imphal

On distribution of essentialcommodities

LLetter to the Editor

IT NewsImphal, April 9

The national secretariat of thecommunist party issued thefollowing statement on April 8, 2020condemning the belligerent attitudeof US President Donald Trump andthe Modi government’ssuccumbing to the US pressure.The National Secretariat of thecommunist party of India condemnsthe belligerent attitude of USPresident Donald Trump and Modigovernment’s succumbing to theUS threat to retaliate. There is nowonder in the behaviour of the USas it has been a friend indeed ofneither India nor any developingcountry.Now at a time when the whole worldis passing through a very difficultperiod, fighting COVID -19. The USadministration which does notbelieve in mutual cooperation isshowing its true colour of

Communist Party Of India , Centraloffice Roykutty office secretary

condemns belligerent attitude of USarrogance and language of threats .Trump’s threat of retaliation ifhydroxychloroquine drug is notsupplied to the US exposes its policyof arm twisting . The mostdistressing shameful act is thatModi government has succumbedto the pressure.The party is committed tointernational co-operation amongthe Nations and welfare ofhumankind as a whole. The Modigovernment may export drugs andother PPE items to any country, onlyafter ensuring that there will be nodearth of the same domestically.The Party reiterates itsunderstanding that the US assumescourage to insult India and India’sonly after Modi governmentreduced India as a junior partner ofthe US. We are certain that thepeople of India will not tolerate suchattack on their dignity and will riseagainst such insults in appropriatestime.

By-Birendra Laishram

The talks of betel leaves wouldhave not been there had the incidentoccurred prior to the pandemic byCOVID-19 leading to imposition oflockdown and curfew everywherebecause there is no legal loopholein transporting these goods in thestate. If the government wants totake action as demanded by thepeople from different sections,careful steps should be taken up asper Manuals of Disposal of seized/confiscated goods without anylegal departure to avoid anyconsequential loss of money fromgovernment account/tax payersmoney.Betel Leaf is perishable in nature mayrequire special arrangements fortheir preservation and storage. Elsemay be disposed of immediatelyafter seizure by the Custodian withdue notice to the owners andobtaining orders from theCompetent Authority. If at a laterstage, goods are ordered to bereleased to the lawful claimant, theywould get the sale proceeds realizedby the department after deductingthe duty liability and otherliabilities. Further, if the goods in thiscategory have been seized and haveto be destroyed because they havebecome unfit for disposal or forconsumption on account of delay,the AC/DC in charge of seizing unitwould be responsible for the lapse.In case any compensation happensto pay to the party by thegovernment due to lapses/wrongfulactions of government servantsthen, responsibilities must be fixedunder existing Personal LiabilitiesAct and payments should not bemade from taxpayers account.What are the charges to be labeled?

1 If the case is to be taken upfor violation of curfew whetherthe police stationed at theAirport has the right to ceasethe goods transporting throughthe fights within the Airportitself before violation of curfewwas taken place? If not, the casereported to and taken up underSingjamei Police Station will itbe correct? Only the violator isto be booked for violation ofcurfew, lockdown and non-compliance of governmentorders. Please see whether FIRis lodged against the personwho is not in the case. Thearrestees were not arrested fromthe public places to substantiatethe violation of curfew.2 It is said that some of theconsignments were lifted to thenearby Storage located atChangangei during the curfewhour but there is not report ofarrest of the violator/the driverat the spot.3 Any lot of confiscated/

Disability on Betel Leaves

seized perishable goods ofvalue exceeding rupees five lakhshall not be sold directly to thecooperative societies/federation (functional for atleast 10 preceding years) andshall be sold by e-auction orauction-cum-tender basis.Delay in disposal will attractlegal actions from the party andother charges from the AirportAuthority of India. Governmentmay consult law department.It may be interesting that evensome cases reached SupremeCourt disputing Tomato as Fruitor as Vegetable; Coconut a DryFruit or Fresh Fruit, sugarcaneas vegetable, betel leaves avegetable or medicinal herbsthereby taking years to decidethus if it once reached theHon’ble court, it may take sometime.

In common parlance:It is said that betel leaves containmany curative and healing benefitsand vitamins like vitamin C,thiamine, niacin etc. Water is goodwith its own and also has goodqualities if with honey and badqualities if with Alcohol. Betel leafis despoiled as Jarda pan only aftermixing with tobacco. Whatever itmay be, it is not yet declared asvegetable or food items or essentialcommodities.Everybody knows that betel leavemeans betel leaves to make Jarda-paan by mixing with tobacco andnow for sales at higher price. Thisis known from the local dailies thatthe prices of Jarda-paan is 4/5 timeshigher than the price before thispandemic hence, importing betelleaves during this pandemic is withprofiteering motive and also leadingto intentional violation of ban oftobacco in Manipur. Moreover, allthe passenger flights weresuspended at this juncture and onlythe cargo flights are put to workonly for ferrying essentialcommodities thus, bringing of non-essential items tantamount tomisusing the cargo flight. Decide thecharge to be framed carefully andthe case be handed over to the CBI(to tone-down the voice of the CSOsin the state) to nab the personsinvolved for violation ofgovernment orders.Everybody wants behind tobaccoto save household economy, tosave health to avoid family problemsbut legally we are handicapped.