Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi 

Udupi, Apr 9: MLA Raghupathi Bhat has requested the state government to withdraw the night curfew in Udupi and Manipal as several local rituals take place at night in these areas. "In the month of April-May, religious rituals like Bhuta-Kola, Nagaradhane, Yakshagana are performed in the night. Last year due to the pandemic these rituals were not performed. These religious festivals have been scheduled months in advance and a night curfew will affect these festivals," he said.

"For now, Udupi is not under any serious threat from coronavirus, the number of positive cases is declining. MIT has been already declared as a containment zone," the MLA said.

"Currently the district has 401 active cases, in which only 49 are hospitalised. No deaths have been reported. On average 2,500 people are undergoing Covid testing every day, of which only 50 to 60 people test positive. There is no need for a night curfew in Udupi. Chief minister Yediyurappa should see that the religious beliefs are not hurt and should withdraw the night curfew in Udupi and Manipal," he added. 

He further said that the people are only recently recovering from the financial crisis caused due to Covid and therefore it was imperative to revoke the night curfew in the district.