By Albert Thyrniang
It was expected that sooner or later Meghalaya would come under the Covid-19 cover. However, it was totally unexpected that the first case and first casualty would be a doctor. That the disease would take his life within 24 hours of being a patient added to the cruelty that the virus inflicts.
In times of adversities it is not uncommon to see the best in human beings. During this on-going pandemic we have witnessed the best in people all over the world. However, the present global crisis has also revealed the worst in humans. Unfortunately, the tragedy that struck the state in general and Dr. John L Sailo Ryntathiang and his family in particular did not see the best of the state. The Rangbah Shnong of Nongpoh refused to permit the deceased to be buried in the latter’s farm in Nongpoh for fear that the virus would spread in the area. When a mob does something undesirable it is understandable but when a Dorbar Shnong supposed to consist of the wisest men of the headquarters of a district came out with an irrational decision it was totally unexpected.
The denial of permission is all the more baffling since late Dr Sailo had a soft corner in his heart for Nongpoh and Ri Bhoi and set up the Bethany Hospital Outreach at Nongpoh to provide medical care to the people of the district, giving free treatment to many poor families and employing many local youths in the hospital. The least that could have been done was to welcome the coffin of the generous and kind hearted doctor and grant him his expressed wish of being laid to rest in his own farm house.
The fiasco at Jhalupara was also surprising. The residents opposed the cremation of the founder of Bethany Hospital to be cremated in the locality’s crematorium. They swelled up in numbers to physically block the vehicle carrying the mortal remains and the officials accompanying it. The authorities of the crematorium claimed the state government did not seek necessary permission besides complaining that workers at the crematorium had no personal protective equipment to handle the cremation. If there are truths in the allegations, then, there are some lacunae in protocols that need to be mended.
The unfortunate turn of events clearly shows that the Dorbar Shnong at Nongpoh together with the Seng Longkmie and Seng Samla and the Jhalupara authorities took decisions based on unrealistic, unreasonable and unfounded fears. It means they have very little education about the virus. It means they did not care to listen to medical advice and assurance that when the mortal remains are packed following strict protocol the virus does not spread. And when the funeral or cremation is also done according to set safety standards there is little room for the virus to escape. This means the respected men and women went along with the sentiments of the uninformed public based on hearsay and misinformation. This means scientific temper has been buried deep inside the ground. This means that the leaders did not display maturity of leadership. This means there is little difference between leaders and the common people on the streets. This means the mob mentality that lynched witchcraft suspects, that created persistent law and order situation post ‘Them Iew Mawlong’ incident and other emotive issues in the state still rule the roost.
Speaking of leadership we have a real issue at hand. How come the MLAs could not convince the Dorbar and crematorium authorities to take appropriate decisions? Did they try to persuade the concerned? Or did they play safe?As suggested an inquiry would be of general benefit. Lack of leadership is acutely seen and felt in the state. It looks as if the Chief Minister is the only competent leader. He is the only one who can communicate. After every meeting and cabinet sitting he is the only one who addresses the media. His is the only daily briefings covering all aspects of the fight against Covid-19. In this age of social media he is the only effective user. Where are other ministers? Do they not have responsibility? It is not that the Chief Minister is all in one or a one man show. It is others in the team that are incompetent.
Later the Deputy Chief Minister prevailed upon the Riatsamthiah Presbyterian Church to grant the first victim of coronavirus a proper resting abode in their cemetery in Lawmali. Hats off to the church leaders!
The Covid-19 pandemic has exposed the darker side of human reality all over the world. Racial slur, verbal and even physical attacks abound. One is astonished that in China where the virus originated African students and visitors, particularly in Guangzhou city are facing discrimination from locals and officials after a cluster of new cases are linked to the Nigerian community. They are accused of importing coronavirus to the country when ‘locals have beaten’ the virus that was first traced in Wuhan city. Africans are forcibly evicted from their rented apartments and turned away by hotel owners. Some are forced to sleep outside with no food. They are denied entry to grocery stores. They are targets of ugly racism. Online they become objects of abuse by Chinese internet users who post racist comments and even call for all Africans to be deported. A controversial cartoon depicting foreigners as trash went viral on social media.
In Europe, USA and other parts of the world the opposite is taking place. Asians worldwide face torrid instances of xenophobia and racism in the midst of Covid-19 outbreak. Asian, Europeans and American are abused for wearing face masks, spat on, yelled at and taunted. Trump’s despicable branding of Coronavirus as “Chinese Virus” led to a sort of justification for anti-Asian racism, discrimination, prejudice and even violence against immigrants.
In India, initially North Easterners faced humiliation of racism. Today, however, a more serious and dangerous trend has emerged. Covid-19 has become communal. Following the Tablighi Jamaat incident a particular community is blamed, vilified and made a scapegoat for the spread of the virus. Conspiracy theories of how Muslims are intentionally spreading the virus in India also added to the hate sentiments. It must be noted Tablighi Jamaat was not the only religious gathering pre or post lockdown. There were other public religious celebrations after the imposition of the first phase of the lockdown attended by public representatives in Uttar Pradesh and elsewhere. Then why single out a particular community? Though reports of discrimination abound but the alleged decision of the Ahmedabad Civil Hospital in Gujarat to make separate wards for Hindu and Muslim coronavirus patients is shocking.
In the meanwhile in Pakistan, Christians say they were not given food because of their religion. In Sri Lanka Muslim victims are forced to be cremated instead of being buried. This disrespect for religious rights could lead to tensions and inflame passions.
Amid the gloomy and dreadful world when the health system around the globe is overwhelmed, when hospitals and ICUs are overflowing,when ventilators are running short, one cannot but salute the courage and dedication of doctors, nurses and other medical personnel. The forefront warriors risk their own lives and the health of their family members. They work overtime with little rest, sleep and food. It is easy to say that medical workers are only faithful to the Hippocratic and Nightingale oath but this is an extraordinary and unprecedented situation. To keep on unwavering in the line of duty for three to four months non-stop in the most challenging circumstances is admirable.
There are numerous other examples of how this pandemic has brought out the best in individuals. An editor of one of an online newspaper narrated that an ex-cop is providing food for 15,000 migrants daily in Mumbai. Similarly organisations there are inspiring stories of groups and individuals who mobilise resources to provide food for thousands of the elderly, the homeless and the stranded.
Psychology can confirm that there are two sides of the human person. Though imperfect, human beings are essentially kind, sensible, good-natured creatures. However, the darker side also exists, that of being blinkered, vengeful and selfish. In times of adversaries, tragedies, accidents, calamities, disasters we have seen numerous instances of individuals and groups displaying exemplary courage without counting the costs. Dr Sailo’s contract of coronavirus, his death and particularly the ordeal to find a resting place are not exactly narratives of displaying the best of the state in this trying time. Hope lessons are learned by all stakeholders and the same is not repeated.