Editor,
With every passing day, the surge in the number of Covid-19 positive cases gives makes us take a reality check on the situation and the undeniable fact that the virus has taken over every aspect of our daily lives. The people of Meghalaya and India as a whole rely heavily on the media when it comes to being informed about the current issues that plague our society, the Covid-19 virus being at the forefront.
In an exposé carried by a local media outlet which was uploaded on their YouTube channel on May 4, 2021 it was shown that not just members of the public but even law enforcement personnel too were not adhering to the mask-mandate in public places as notified by the Government. There is an underlying issue that is prevalent in the society regarding the non-adherence to the standard operating procedures notified by the Government and that is because the reality of the virus has not hit every household and we all hope that it never does. But the faster the public understands that these procedures are for our own good the better it is for us and only then shall we see a decline in the number of Covid-19 positive cases in our state.
The blatant disregard for the law has long-lasting repercussions especially in times such as these. The onus is on each and every one of us to take matters into our own hands and start protecting ourselves and our loved ones by adhering to the rules and regulations notified by the Government from time to time. If done right, we, the People, shall conquer this pandemic and strive towards rebuilding our society for the betterment of all.
Yours etc.,
EG Kharmalki,
Via email
Lockdown disrupts lives
Editor,
This pandemic has necessitated another lockdown and this time Covid19 is at its most virulent. While the Government sets out rules and protocols the common man keeps a check not on his health but his wallet to see if he would survive the lockdown in case it is further extended.
While it’s important to save lives it is also important to check that the common man is not driven to desperation for not having any money to provide the basic needs of the family. The Government has tried to distribute free rice but it’s only for Covid affected people and not for everyone. In these hard times although the lockdown has been imposed because of the imperative to break the infection cycle but even while some die a physical death there are many who die of suicide across the country and the world because they have had to shut down their businesses and sit at home, with each day adding to the losses.
Nevertheless, I would urge everyone to wear masks and stay safe and not be a danger to others and to themselves. Let’s remember that the longer the lockdown the more difficult it will be for those who survive this pandemic.
Yours etc.,
Aparna Deb,
Via email
Irresponsible behaviour of elderly citizens
Editor,
There is no cure for Parkinson’s disease. So too for careless behavior. Recently, when I headed out to buy groceries in Rilbong, all I could see were elderly people in their 50s, 60s and 70s not following Covid-19 protocols. Their masks were hanging from their chin and the social distance turned into social gathering. They had a plethora of things to discuss from politics to cricket to relative’s wedding and if you ever try to correct them on appropriate Covid behavior, all you hear is, that they have seen more life than you. Yes, agreed, people in their 50s, 60s and 70s have seen much more in life than a 25-year-old person but just because one is older doesn’t that person wiser or correct about everything. Foolishness has no age. Our elders are at the highest risk of contacting the virus yet all they want is to step outside their homes. Family members cannot stay in denial and not question about the undesirable behavior of the elderly in this pandemic, Sure, staying inside the house for 24 hours can be frustrating for anyone but if we don’t act more sensibly then the repercussions will be very serious.
Yours etc.,
Abhishek Sharma,
Shillong -4
Help ease cremations during lockdown
Editor,
Usually, dead bodies are cremated at the Electric Cremation at Jhalupara near R P Chest Hospital. This is the solitary electric crematorium available in Shillong. Due to frequent breakdown of the said crematorium, the District Administration has, since last year, earmarked/designated Bootnath Crematorium at Mawbah (Barapather) for cremating dead bodies of Covid patients. This alternate arrangement is for when the Electric Crematorium goes kaput or is engaged in incinerating hospitals waste. This earmarking of the said cremation ghat was done after the DC’s representative came and inspected the site. The Bhootnath Crematorium is spacious, easily accessible to mortuary vans up to the pyre platform and is away from a residential area.
During lockdowns people face immense problems in cremating the dead. On reaching the Ghat in the mortuary van one will find that the chowkidar will not open his firewood shed unless one produces the paid receipt for firewood which is issued at Goenka’s Office located at Keating Road. So, one has to go all the way up to Keating Road to bring the receipt. Till then the mortuary van and the mourners accompanying the deceased have to wait idly. Also, during lockdown nearby shops selling pine wood for kindling the pyre, are closed. So, kindling the pyre also poses a problem at times.
In view of the above stated facts, people cremating their departed ones are, therefore, informed beforehand of the above hurdles so that they would take necessary steps before bringing the deceased for cremation, particularly during the lockdown. Also, through your esteemed daily, the District Administration is requested to treat vehicles carrying/supplying firewood to the Ghat for cremation purposes, as an Essential Service. This will ensure the availability of firewood at cremation ghats.
Yours etc.,
Krishna Chettri,
Via email