Editor,
Meghalaya and Shillong in particular has witnessed one of the fiercest debates in the past two weeks. This has brought a noticeable rift or division among the people. The vaccine dilemma has caught everyone unawares. One would imagine that a vaccine would finally bring the much needed relief to the common man but now the arrival of the vaccine is threatening to cause mass rallies, insubordination, non- compliance with Covid-19 protocols etc. This kind of behavior would completely reverse whatever progress we have made in the past year in combatting this dreaded disease. There is a strong apprehension in many stemming from multiple sources. At present the voices of the masses is divided with regards to the vaccine.
As a state we are indeed fortunate to have many social organizations, unions and groups that exist to fight for the people’s rights and to raise questions on the way the government works. In the past these groups have publicly decried and rightly so, the injustices meted out to the common man. They have on various occasions worked for the safety and preservation of the people. They are the voice of the masses and of the oppressed. However, in the face of this pandemic, even these voices have been silenced it seems. The burning issue at the moment is that of the vaccine. Yes, it is encouraging to see members of different social organisations coming forward to get their ‘jabs’ but the question is, have they given their followers the much needed ‘awareness’ regarding the same. If they have taken the jab, it clearly means that they recognize its effectiveness in protecting them against this virus. Shouldn’t they convey the same message and assurance to the masses? Without this vaccine, the health of the general public is at risk and this is not an exaggerated argument. Without the vaccine, the inevitable third wave will come crashing and leave behind a trail of destruction in its path. Such is the nature of this formidable virus and the present strain is an even more virulent one. Have we learnt nothing from the past months? We are in the throes of a pandemic, the likes of which has not been seen since the Spanish Flu. The very nature of a pandemic if not checked and curbed in time is that it can prolong for years together. If the main onus and drive of our social organisations is to ensure that our ‘Jaitbynriew’ thrives and survives, then why is it that they fail to recognize the most dangerous enemy yet?
Is it too much to ask these sons of the soil to utilize their platform to spread awareness, to alleviate fears and to remove unfounded theories and arguments? Is it too much to ask that just for once they should work in tandem with the government for the safety and health of the populace? The only other alternative to combat this virus is lockdown and we are all but sick of being ‘locked-up’. A village in Ri Bhoi District (UmdohByrthih) has reached 95% vaccination, Bhaitbari PHC, West Garo Hills has reached 100% vaccination. These achievements are to be lauded and applauded. The people of UmdohByrthih and Bhaitbari are an example in wisdom and co-operation, in ridding this scourge from their villages. The NGOs, student organisations and other groups must show their concern and support at this time because the health of the people depends on it.
A parting note on our MLAs and MDCs. Isn’t it their constitutional duty to ensure the health of their constituents? Can’t they spread awareness to their constituents especially in the rural areas, on the importance of taking the vaccination? Can’t they do so with the same vigour and fervour they do when asking for our votes? It is very encouraging to see so many charitable drives going on in and around the city but charity will only last for so long. If the electorate is not healthy, their jobs will suffer, their education will suffer, their livelihoods will suffer, our medical institutions will collapse. The need of the hour is timely action and prevention or there might not be a healthy electorate to vote for them come next election.
Yours etc.,
B M Lyngdoh
Via email
Why different sets of rules?
Editor,
The District Administration has been overburdened with work ever since the Covid-19 pandemic hit the State. It became additional routine work for the District Administration to assess the ground situation on a daily basis and depending on the situation, orders are issued for lockdown, extension of lockdown and opening of shops etc. in different zones under the Shillong Urban Agglomeration. In the past one year citizens are sensitised everyday about appropriate Covid-19 behaviour on TV, radio, newspapers and through other modes of communications. By now the majority of citizens in Shillong City are well versed with Covid 19 protocols.
Covid-19 has affected cross sections of the business community but the worst affected are the petty business persons, roadside vendors and daily wage labourers. But when it comes to the question of survival; rules, regulations and protocols go for a toss as was noticed in the past. Today the lower income group is facing unprecedented challenges in their lives which was never experience earlier.
Being a resident of W-10, I would like to draw the kind attention of Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills towards the order no. C&S.2/CVD/2021/ORD/121 dated 05/06/2021 and C&S.2/CVD/2021/ORD/152 dated 19/06/2021 which are not implemented properly in their true spirit in zone III. The residents and business community felt discriminated. Essential commodities like groceries, fruits and vegetable shops are allowed once in a week to an individual (proprietor) which is contrary to the orders dated 05/06/2021 and 19/06/2021.
6-7 grocery shops, 3-4 fruit shops and few vegetable shops are not enough to cater to the needs of about 1000 (approx) families of ward 10 on a given day. Moreover most residents in adjoining localities such as Oakland, Police Bazar and other areas also purchase essential commodities from Jail Road. Perhaps Incident Commanders have failed to assess the ground realities in Zone III. In such a situation there are bound to be long queues for essential commodities due to lesser number of shops operating on a particular day. Further this week, a new experiment was observed in zone III with regards to opening of shops with alphabets “A”, “B”, “C”. Eventually, shops of X, Y & Z dealing with the essentials commodities will open once in a week.
All shops dealing with essential items in other Zones in the Shillong Urban Agglomeration except Zone III are allowed to operate thrice a week as per schedule of aforesaid order dated 05/06/2021 and 19/06/2021 without any alphabetical/odd even system. There is complete confusion among the residents and shop keepers as to whether separate orders have been issued by District Authority for Zone III under Sadar PS areas, considering Covid 19 protocols. Therefore, if any such order has been issued by the District Authority for the shops dealing with essential commodities, the same may be reconsidered. Shops dealing with essential commodities should be treated at par with the other zones considering the problem faced by the residents and business community of Ward – 10.
Yours etc.,
Name withheld on request,
Via email