SHILLONG: The East Jaintia National Council (EJNC) has expressed concern over the spread of the deadly coronavirus across the globe and urged the public to cooperate with the government by adhering to social distancing norms.
In a statement issued here on Monday, the president of EJNC, Samborwell Lyngdoh, said despite several guidelines released by both the Central and state governments, people have failed to follow the guidelines.
EJNC alleged that the social distancing norm is blatantly defied at the Deputy Commissioner’s office at Khliehriat.
“A huge crowd is noticed at the office on working days and this is a serious cause of concern as it may lead to spread of the virus,” Lyngdoh said.
He said that the DC’s office has failed to stick to its own social distancing guidelines and has put the health and life of people at risk.
The organisation urged the deputy commissioner to rectify the problem in the best interest of all.
The Council further alleged that residents of the district have been misusing curfew passes for vehicles.
“We have received complaints that it has become difficult to get car pass for medical emergencies as the DC’s office is always overcrowded.”
On relief measures, the EJNC suggested that instead of giving packed food to the stranded labourers, ration in the form of rice, vegetables, eggs etc., should be provided.
Expressing concern over easy movement of labourers from Assam to Meghalaya, the East Jaintia National Council claimed that recently a man from Assam had entered the state via Malidor without being detected by police.
Lyngdoh urged the government and the police authorities to tighten vigil at all check points particularly in Malidor, Ratacherra and Umkiang.
The organisation, while lauding the government initiative to allow MLAs to utilise Rs 25 lakh each for corona-related relief measures, has requested the two legislators of the district – Kyrmen Shylla and Shitlang Pale – to help the underprivileged at this time of crisis.
The organisation also urged the JHADC MDCs to lend a helping hand to those in needy.