Paojel Chaoba
IMPHAL, April 25: The ‘pedestrian only’ restriction in Paona Bazar and Thangal Bazar is not that restrictive for those who are either VVIPs or VIPs or for those who are willing to dole out tips for the policeman manning the road-blocks.
The going rate is Rs 10 for both entry and exit from the pedestrian zone from 10 am to 4 pm, according to people working at shops near the entry-exit points.
But tip or no tip, the VVIPs and their families and the vehicles of security forces are allowed inside the restricted zone and these vehicles parked at leisure with no interference from the traffic police.
On a day-out, this reporter saw several security vehicles parked inside the restricted zone yesterday.
A diesel auto had to pay a tip to get access to the BT Road flyover which takes vehicles across to Uripok-Kangchup road from the Kangla gate.
This happened right before everybody at around 8 am. Unfortunately I did not have a camera with me at that moment.
Rules continue to be bent by VIPs and law keepers, therefore there is no reason to be optimistic of the much hyped new traffic norms in Imphal.
