Editor,
After spending over three months in Shillong due to the lockdown, I had to return to my workplace in Kolkata. But on reaching Kolkata, I was surprised to see the laxity by the airport authorities. I was expecting it to be stricter than Guwahati airport but it was otherwise. After arriving at Kolkata airport every passenger was only photographed before the exit gate and there was no scanning, no rapid testing and no health protocols and SOPs were followed.
After coming out of the exit gate I booked a cab as usual and on the way I asked the cab driver about the Covid 19 situation in Kolkata. The driver was very frank and bluntly replied that, “you are on your own.” The driver’s reply came as a shocker to me. Even though lockdown was still enforced I noticed many people walking around in public places; shops were open, and there were many crowded buses and autos plying on the road. People are just flouting the lockdown without any care. In Shillong and Guwahati when lockdown is enforced it means a curfew. There are complete restrictions on civilian movement, or movement of unauthorized persons and vehicles.
The Mamata Banerjee Government is trying hard to combat and control the spread of this Covid-19 virus. Out of the 23 districts, the worst affected districts in terms of mortality rates are Kolkata, North 24 Parganas, Howrah and South 24 Parganas. The density of population in these districts is also the highest and it requires continuous monitoring by the State health officials. More random testings should be done especially in containment areas. As on date there are around 606 containment zones in West Bengal with North 24 Parganas district having the maximum at 95. It certainly is a herculean task for the concerned authorities. But all the hard work by the Government will go in vain if there are no stringent actions taken against health protocol violaters.
Just a week ago, another lockdown was enforced by the West Bengal government on July 9, 2020 for 7 days which was later extended by 4 more days for containment zones only. But the number of people taking to the streets and the number of vehicles plying on the roads remains the same just like any normal day. A colleague of mine rightly said that Lockdown in West Bengal is enforced only for publicity in both print and electronic media only. It is not being followed in letter and spirit as it should be in every nook and corner and by every individual concerned.
Yours etc.,
M Hynniewta,
Via email
China woos Iran
Editor,
China’s aggressive political and military standpoint has aroused the ire of the international community. Its aggressive stance ranges from Ladakh in the Himalayas, the South China Sea region and beyond. At the same time China is looking to strengthen its relations with Iran in the Middle East. The initial stages of these relations started during President Xi Jinping’s visit to Iran in 2016. There are reports that both the countries have drafted a comprehensive military and trade partnership. The deal makes way for about $400 billion worth of Chinese investments into Iran’s key sectors such as energy and infrastructure. The agreement could also make way for Chinese military bases in Iran.
There have been fierce conflicts between the US and China and the US and Iran. US President, Donald Trump’s policy of “maximum pressure” against Tehran has adversely affected India’s relations with Iran. India has been trying to balance its relations with the US and Iran for a long time. When the conflicts between the US and China reach Iran, it would pose challenges to India. During the time of former US president Obama, India had struggled to maintain good relations with Iran. Trump withdrew the US from the Iran nuclear deal and enforced comprehensive sanctions on Iran. The deal was made at a time when the Iranian economy has been crippled by US sanctions.
The deal between China and Iran poses some challenges to India. The Chabahar port project is seen as a bridge between India, Iran, Afghanistan and Central Asia. India and Iran had signed an agreement to construct a rail line from Chabahar port to Zahedan, along the border with Afghanistan. Now the Iranian government has decided to proceed with the construction own its own, citing delays from the Indian side in funding and starting the project. The railway project was meant to be a part of India’s commitment to the trilateral agreement between India, Iran and Afghanistan to build an alternate trade route to Afghanistan and Central Asia. There is a possibility that China may take over the construction of the rail line from Chabahar port given the new deal between Iran and China. Iran-China strategic partnership would adversely affect India, not merely due to its relations with Iran but also due to China’s access to the Indian Ocean region and possible military arrangements with Iran. China may extend its control along the Pakistan-Iran coast.
All these developments make the upcoming US elections very important. A Trump victory could make things complicated for Iran while a Joe Biden victory may give some relief to Iran. India is more worried about China’s strategies than those of Tehran. Whatever may be the future developments, India needs to be watchful and alert.
Yours etc.,
Venu GS,
Via email