Editor,
It is no understatement to state that the current attempts of the Government to contract trace the first and second contact cases of the 41 wedding related covidiots is proving rather an uphill task for the administration. The handicap the Government suffers from is three fold. First, is its reluctance to release the names of the 41 above-mentioned persons. Apparently the official belief is that such an act might cause social stigmatisation. Second, is its shortage in human resources, social reach and time to finish the job within the vitally restricted timeline this tracing mission demands. Third is the public lack of trust in Government and its officials. This lack of confidence makes it distressing for people to divulge information to Government officials especially when it involves personal and confidential information of oneself or of one’s relatives and acquaintances. It is therefore becoming increasingly obvious that the Government needs to find and fast, an intermediary who is ready to partner with it; who has its trust and one whom the common people also have confidence in.
The official fear of an adverse relationship between identification and stigmatisation needs to be challenged. The greater worry should be over public well-being and safety. There can be no compromise over the issue and it is Government’s responsibility to ensure this. The administration must be in possession of the identity and residential address of each of the above mentioned 41 persons. There is no need to make public the names of the individuals involved. The contact tracing teams formed to identify the primary and secondary contacts from the original 41, can share this information with the Rangbah Shnong concerned. The Rangbah Shnong has the unique aptitude of knowing the minute intimate details of the residents of his own shnong. He generally knows who moves around with whom and people of his locality are more comfortable in discussing related personal issues connected with illness with their headman than with indifferent Government officials. Government must make use of this social capital to make the onerous task of contact tracing that much easier and quicker. It needs to be done in the larger interest of the public at large.
It is now more than four months since the onset of Covid 19 and people are starting to realise that the disease is something we cannot just wish away. It’s something we have to live with and accept. It was the same with cancer. A few decades ago there was a social stigma attached to this dreaded disease. Now that is no longer there and people openly speak with no hesitation or shame about the onset of cancer. It’s the same with Covid 19. It is an ailment, it’s here to stay and being open and straightforward about it is one of the best ways to contain the illness. There should be no sense of shame or embarrassment in contracting the disease or in being associated with it. One day a cure or a vaccine will come our way. Till then we have to realise that being secretive about it is the worst approach in curing ourselves and in preventing the spread of the disease.
Yours etc.,
Toki Blah,
Via email
Don’t sneeze at Government’s efforts
Editor,
We should be grateful that the Government of Meghalaya is leaving no stone unturned to contain the spread of Covid-19. From day one the Chief Minister himself is seemingly very serious in this respect. Despite being beset by the series of unfortunate virus-related situations, the Chief Minister, along with his ministerial team, has not shown any laxity. In comparison to other states, the fatality rate in Meghalaya is considerably low, with only two death cases so far. The treatment and quarantine facilities in the state are far better. Many returnees have applauded the government for the arrangement.
However, what is disheartening in the state now is the sudden spike in positive cases. This has compelled the Government to call for a second lockdown. Do we really want another round of lockdowns and to continue to suffer as earlier? The Government is already facing a dilemma in trying to resolve the problems of the poor who are suffering endlessly, particularly the farming communities? They have not been able to harvest and sell their produce. This will have a far-reaching impact upon their families. Survival has become the main concern as they have lost their sources of income and other support. The other day I saw a cloth merchant selling French beans and carrots while a hardware dealer is now selling nimki and mithai on the roadside. This is just an example of people’s plight and their desperation.
Here is my question to responsible citizens – “Are we concerned and sensitive towards the predicament of the underprivileged and also the Government administration now?” I think most of us are totally unconcerned. We are more interested in fulfilling our narrow ambitions. How could one have a fascination for celebration and fun when the scourge of death is hovering over our heads? It is brazenly outrageous.
In this unprecedented pandemic crisis, no one has the right to rob others of their right to live free from COVID-19. Is it not a shocker that the entire Bachchan family has been tested positive? It should, in fact, serve to caution one and all against the seriousness of the pandemic. So, until a vaccine is developed, we should not set out into dangerous journeys. Please be supportive and sensitive. Do not sneeze at the Government’s efforts for a better tomorrow.
Yours etc.,
Salil Gewali,
Shillong-2
Kudos Tympang Club Jowai
Editor,
Hats off to Tympang Club Jowai for the excellent job done on clearing the footpath at Iawmusiang where vegetable vendors used to occupy the space with no social distancing even in this period of the Covid 19 pandemic. The Jowai Municipal Board from time to time announced that vendors should vacate the pavement yet they failed to obey the orders. Fortunately, now we see spacious Iawmusiang which is a good sight. It was the Seiñraij Jowai that sheltered the vendors. This commendable job done by the Tympang Club needs to be appreciated. I am sure this will not have a temporary effect. The question arises about the supposed market which had been constructed and which is not even half done I call it ‘ka lano iaw’. The foundation stone had been laid down long time ago but it remains incomplete till date. People of Jowai are being fooled by the JHADC. This reminds us that before every election, politicians promise that this market located at the old market would be completed. Instead we can see bushes growing inside the supposed market. Where is the money allotted for the purpose? The vendors too are complacent enough to sell their goods adjacent to these bushes.
Again I say thumbs up Tympang Club!
Yours etc.,
Concerned citizen of Jowai Town.
Name withheld on request)