Asem Bhakta Singh, Special Correspondence North East
Imphal: (Waari Singbul Network) As extreme cold wave envelopes strife-torn Manipur and in view of the upcoming Christmas and New Year, the state government on Thursday announced that schools will remain shut for 8 days from December 23.
A notification to this effect issued by Manipur schools education director, L Nandakumar Singh on Thursday said “there will be holiday for all schools in Manipur from 23rd December 2023 till the 30th December, 2023 in view of the cold weather and upcoming festival and New Year.”
Imphal valley on Thursday freezed as mercury dips to 7 degree Celsius as people put on thick garments, stayed indoor and light up Meiphu (traditional charcoal heater) at home to beat the biting chill weather.
Indain Meteorological Department forecasts the weather report for the next five days in the state, projecting the coldest day with zero degree Celsius during the period on December 26, a day after Christmas.
The cold wave enveloping Imphal valley in the last few days followed incessant rains for the three-four days in the state. Porters and other manual labourers in Imphal city were seen making bonfire at several roadsides on Thursday.
“The biting chill weather has forced us to procure more Meiphus and two bags of charcoal. I have also bought thick jackets for my son and daughter,” said W Nandirani Devi, a resident of Thangmeiband in Imphal West district.
“As most of the schools do not provide electric heater sor Meiphus for the students I appreciate the announcement of the government, declaring holiday for all schools owing to the chill weather. In fact, the other reasons include the upcoming festivals,” she said.
Taking steps to beat the cold weather, Romesh Singh, an Imphal East district resident said that he has taken utmost care for his children to winter-related diseases.
“As advised by doctors, these days I keep my children warm and stop them from venturing out from house in the morning,” said Romesh.
Many Imphal denizens also keep their pets , including dogs and cats , warm even as charcoal and Meiphu traders make brisk business these days.
