SHILLONG: NPP leader and former chief minister DD Lapang, who is in good health even at the age of 88, coined ‘unity amidst adversity’ to fight coronavirus in India.
“India is a great country which is known for unity amidst diversity. Today, I have discovered another great slogan of unity amidst adversity. This is the unity of hearts, sentiments, humanity and life. Under this umbrella, we can practise brotherhood. This brotherhood should continue even after the crisis”, Lapang told The Shillong Times at his residence on Wednesday.
To a question, Lapang said he spends time in reading books and talking on phone with friends. “Recently, I had a long conversation with friends from Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh”, said Lapang, who is also the chairman of North East Coordination Committee of the NPP.
On the measures to fight coronavirus, Lapang said he had already written to the chief minister besides contacting him on the need to contain the virus.
“I also spoke to the cabinet ministers AL Hek, James Sangma and Lahkmen Rymbui. I also want to convey to MLAs that irrespective of party affiliations, they should help whatever way possible in this time of crisis”, he said.
He also appealed to all, irrespective of caste, creed, community and religion to fight the coronavirus in unison forgetting the differences.
“There should be cooperation and unity of all religious denominations, political parties and leaders, traditional institutions and others so that we can fight the disease with optimism”, he said.
Praising the efforts of the Prime Minister and Meghalaya chief minister, Lapang said only with the cooperation of the people of the country and the state, the goals can be achieved.
“India is proud of many leaders. At a time when the country is facing many challenges, the determination of the prime minister to contain the disease by taking everyone on board is praiseworthy, This will help us to march forward to attain the goal”, he said.
