Imphal West district Superintendent of Police S Ibomcha has announced a cash reward along with an appreciation letter to the police station and police personnel for seizure of maximum number of Lagao (dice) and related materials as a preventive measure to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Every year in the state, starting from a month earlier of Diwali festival (October-November), playing of ‘Lagao Khaoba’ (a type of gambling) is regular at most of the streets which continues till the end of ‘Ningol Chakouba’ festival which is one of the grand festival of Manipur. People including children and adults are indulging in the gambling, forming a crowd.
With the outbreak of COVID-19, the Central government announced a nationwide lockdown from the mid-night of March 23 last year and it continued for months.
To prevent the spread of COVID-19, the state government ordered strict restrictions of any gathering and to follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) and COVID appropriate behaviour. The state government has collected a total fine of Rs 2,61,24,110 against 1,57,662 lockdown violators including violators of guidelines or restrictions issued. The state police have collected a huge number of dice and its related items in the previous year and were disposed of.
With the coming of Diwali festival this year, people are seen playing ‘lagao’ at some of the streets of Imphal city which could lead to spread of COVID-19. According to state health director, K Rajo, in the last few months the number of COVID-19 positive rates has been decreasing. However, he has appealed to the people to continue following COVID appropriate behaviours as the pandemic is yet to be ended. A small careless act in following COVID appropriate behaviour could help in increasing the positive rate of COVID-19.
The authority concerned had also imposed 144 CrPC in both the districts of Imphal East and West in order to prevent unwanted crimes related with the coming of state legislative election 2022. In addition to that the state home department had issued an extension order for restriction of public gathering till November 21.
Meanwhile, SP S Ibomcha issued a press statement that district police have been conducting a drive against ‘Lagao Khaoba’ aggressively. He announced that a cash reward along with an appreciation letter will be given to the police station and police personnel for seizing the maximum number of lagao dice and related materials for Imphal West district. It said that the seized items will be disposed of after the Ningol Chakouba festival.
Responding to IFP, SP Ibomcha said that if any police personnel are found encouraging the gambling activity by taking bribes, strict action will be taken against them. People can inform the district police for any activities related to street gambling to mobile number +919612950895. He further said that the identity of the informant shall be kept hidden.
