Imphal, June 11 (UNI) Curfew was relaxed for 12 hours on Wednesday in five districts of Manipur to enable people to purchase essential items, authorities said.

The curfew was relaxed from 5 am to 5 pm in Imphal West, Imphal East, Kakching, Thoubal and Bishnupur, they said.

However, a ban on internet services was still in force. Heavy rush was seen in markets as people came out to purchase essential food items.

A ban on the internet and non-availability of cash in ATMs caused problems as financial transactions were disrupted, residents said. Linthoi, a woman selling vegetables in the Khwairamband Keithel, the main market, said the shortage of cash, especially below Rs 500, caused problems in transactions.

There is always a shortage of cash of lower denominations like Rs 10, 20, 50 and 100, she said, even during normal times, so online transactions are preferred.

The Arambai Tenggol (AT) had called a 10-day bandh to protest the arrest of one of its leaders, which was called off on Tuesday.

The AT, a socio-cultural organisation, decided to call off the bandh as it was turning violent.

Ramesh Mishra, who owns a shop in the market, said the normal flow of vehicles has been affected due to landslides; sending the prices of essential commodities skyrocketing. Oil depots which were closed down for three days started opening on Wednesday.

Educational institutes in the state are yet to reopen.

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