SHILLONG: At a time when the country along with entire world is under the threat of COVID-19, the lockdown in the city has revealed compassion and love which people have for each other.
Ever since the lock down was announced by the Prime Minister, different NGOs, individuals, government wings, religious groups and NGOs are working overtime to ensure that people from all strata of life do not sleep hungry in this time of crisis.
While the middle class population remains at their homes isolating from COVID-19, there are less fortunate ones who continue to spend their lives in the street hungry.
Some of them have already been accommodated by the Shillong Municipal Board however there are more who continue to live on the footpaths. Some groups are hitting the streets everyday to ensuring that they do not go hungry.
Members of the Guru Singh Sabha, Shillong Gurudwara Committee are distributing food to the poor around the city. Apart from them, other agencies like Meghalaya Police have also started distributing food to the homeless. In addition, there are some individuals like Michael Kharsyntiew, who is making sure that food reaches the homeless and the poor.
The Shillong Marwari community is also making sure that essential items reach the poor while the owner of Delhi Mistan Bhandar, Kailash Verma is also giving out snacks for anybody who comes to him for help.
The Shillong Bengali Association has also joined in making sure that apart from meals, tea and snacks are served to police personnel of Shillong city who are on the streets every day.
Many individuals along with animal rescue groups are also doing their part in helping stray animals in the city. Official of a rescue team said that they have already applied for a vehicle pass from the DC and as soon as it is issued, they will come out on the streets to feed stray dogs and other hungry animals. She also said they welcome volunteers who are willing to be a part of the exercise to feed stray animals in the city.
