The Manipur government has closed all border entry points with Myanmar as a precautionary measure in order to combat the spread of the new coronavirus (COVID-19). The entry of foreigners from these border checkpoints is banned.
An order issued by the state home department on March 9th, 200 said the government has banned the movement of people across the international border and shut all the gates along the Indo-Myanmar border at Moreh indefinitely.
“The Government of Manipur hereby prohibits movement of people across the international border and accordingly orders closure of Gate No 1, No 2, Moreh and other crossing points along Manipur sector of Indo-Myanmar border until further orders,” the notification stated.
Meanwhile, the Mizoram government also said that the border with Myanmar and Bangladesh will be sealed and the entry of foreigners will be banned to prevent the deadly virus from spreading.
On the other hand, the Arunachal Pradesh government has temporarily stopped issuing Protected Area Permits (PAPs) to foreigners to check the spread of coronavirus. Foreigners need PAPs to enter the state that shares a border with China.
Another northeastern state Sikkim, which shares borders with China, Bhutan and Nepal, had announced that it will not issue Inner Line Permit (ILP) to foreigners, including Bhutan nationals. The Himalayan state also announced a blanket ban to visits to Nathula pass on the Indo-China border.
At least 400 people in Assam have been quarantined after they came in contact with a tourist from the United States who tested positive for the COVID-19. The American national, who tested positive in Bhutan, had travelled through Assam recently.
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