Only night curfew in Shillong Agglomeration, offices, construction works to resume from May 4

Shillong, May 2: The State government has announced its decision to lift the curfew in the state including Shillong city but will impose only night curfew as per guidelines by the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Public and religious gatherings however will continue to be prohibited to prevent further spread of the COVID-19 in the state.

After a review meeting on Saturday, Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong told reporters that curfew will be lifted in Shillong agglomeration with effect from May 4.

“However, night curfew as prescribed by the MHA will be imposed from 7 pm to 7 am,” he said.

Asked what about the curfew being imposed in other districts, Tynsong said, “The decision (to lift the curfew) is not only for Shillong (which now falls under the orange zone category) as what we said is let us now generally follows the MHA guidelines which says curfew can be done only during night time.”

“What I would like to say is right now we want to bring back normalcy as much as possible in the state. Therefore, we have given powers to the respective deputy commissioners to exercise their powers on this regard,” he added.

The deputy CM however maintained other sections of 144 CrPC will continue to remain in force to ensure assembly of people is strictly prohibited across the state.

“No public gathering or religious gathering will be allowed…prohibition against assembly of people will continue until further orders from the MHA,” he stated.

Meanwhile, Tynsong also announced further relaxation on different activities including functioning of offices in the secretariat and directorates from May 4.

“Construction works in urban areas including Mylliem block besides opening of hardware shops, electrical shops and quarrying activities will now be allowed to resume,” he said.

The deputy CM said, functioning of government offices in the secretariat and directorates will also resume from Monday.

“All officers are directed to report to their respective offices with immediate effect. However, in as far as Group C and D staff is concerned, only 33 per cent capacity is considered. We have asked the chief secretary to workout the modalities with HoDs to ensure compliance of this 33 percent attendance,” he said.

Meanwhile, all wineshops are also allowed to reopen from May 4.

Tynsong said that all such activities are allowed on condition that strict protocols including social distancing norms are followed in totality.