SHILLONG, Jan 27: Chief Minister, Conrad K Sangma on Thursday denied having flouted any COVID-19 protocols but the Congress demanded a clarification from him over the alleged different sets of protocols for different people.
“I don’t know what the issue with this (protocol violation) is. While we are talking about border issues and important aspects like 50 years of statehood, it is really sad to see that people are looking at such petty issues. As the CM, I have huge responsibilities and work to do and those need to be done,” Sangma told reporters.
“I have been very clear and careful that I always follow the protocols. Knowing that I was not feeling well on January 21, I did not go in spite of actually not testing positive. If I had wanted, I could have gone and tested later on but I did not,” he said.
He lamented that some people are questioning his integrity and commitment to issues.
Congress Legislature Party leader, Ampareen Lyngdoh said the CM should give a clarification because he had tweeted in the evening of January 21 that he tested positive and asked all those, who had come in close contact with him, to immediately quarantine and get tested if they had any symptoms.
Stating that the different COVID-19 protocols for different sets of people are causing confusion, she said if the CM does not want to respond, the DHS should announce the SOPs again so that the ordinary people have a fair understanding of them and they can act responsibly if tested positive.
“The SOPs are probably being challenged,” Ampareen said. On the CM’s statement that it was unfortunate some people were questioning his integrity and commitment, she said, “When you are in a public office, you have to answer the questions asked by the public.”
She also said that there is no question of undermining the CM but given the prevailing COVID-19 situation, it is imperative that there is some clarity on the issue.
“There has to be a better understanding of the SOPs prescribed by the government. The new SOPs (as in the CM’s case) suggest that one can leave home on the fifth day since testing positive and carry on with life,” Ampareen said.
She cautioned that such behaviour will add to the confusion and there could be far-reaching consequences.
The CM had tested positive for COVID-19 on January 21 and attended office on January 25. He also unfurled the national flag during the official Republic Day celebrations at the Polo Grounds the next day.
A senior Health department official had admitted on January 25 that the CM violated the protocols by attending office just four days after testing positive.