SHILLONG, May 26: Senior Congress leader and Laitumkhrah MLA, Ampareen Lyngdoh, on Wednesday stated that the community should not stigmatise COVID-19 patients.
“We cannot treat them as untouchables. If we do this, the feeling of shame crops up and then denial is happening. It is because of this that people are refusing to come forward for the testing if the deceased is tested positive,” Lyngdoh said while talking to reporters here.
She also informed that there were three funerals in her constituency and big hesitance to get them tested. “There is a denial running strong in our homes and community. If we continue to deny and stigmatise COVID patients then we are not going to get through this situation,” she said. She, however, observed that if a person tests positive, there is a possibility of high transmission of the disease.
“These are not good indications. We’re not looking at the epidemic situation. We need epidemic expert to guide the government. You cannot hide from the fact that you could be positive,” she said.
Meanwhile, she urged the 59 other MLAs to follow in her footsteps by setting up corona care centre to cater to the people of their constituencies respectively.
It may be mentioned that Ampareen Lyngdoh has set up a corona care centre for isolation and treatment of COVID patients from Laitumkhrah area. She has also informed that all expenses to run the centre will be borne by her. This move comes of the MLA comes at a time when the state is facing shortage of hospital beds.
‘Divert MLA scheme funds for COVID relief’
The state government has been asked to divert the MLA scheme funds to safeguard the needy during this time of crisis.
Making this appeal, New Dawn, an independent organisation, suggested that the existing structures within the local administration can be used to map out the needs of the particular constituency and identify the beneficiaries, while adding that the state government, the MLA and the village administration need to come and work together for the betterment of the people.
JH headmen to continue functions despite term expiry
Meanwhile, in another development miles away from here, the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC) has informed that all Rangbah Shnong or Headmen in Jaintia Hills will continue to perform their duties even if their respective terms have expired. The order will remain in effect until further orders, the Council said.
The Administrative Officer of the JHADC, E Shylla, informed that the term of many headmen falling under the jurisdiction of the Council in West and East Jaintia Hills has expired and as per rules, new headmen should be elected. However, due to lockdown and curfew in effect to contain the spread of the virus, all headmen will continue to hold office till further notification, Shylla said.
