SHILLONG: As the poor and the underprivileged section of the society in the state are under the wrath of COVID-19, with no food and water supply for them, different NGOs, religious groups and even individuals are coming together in their own way to help the have-nots of the city.
Realising the need to cater to the needs of those who are hardly thought of during emergencies, the Guru Singh Sabha Gurudwara committee members, Shillong, on Thursday, distributed free meals in four different locations of the city while taking all measures to maintain social distancing.
The committee members distributed the food in a location near GS Road, two locations near Shillong Municipal Board office and one more near Kench’s Trace.
Speaking to media persons, Kamaljit Singh, a member of the committee, said that they will continue their service till the lockdown is lifted.
He also said that they are also planning to extend their meal services to twice daily and every day.
They would be providing meal to around 250-300 homeless people of the city, Singh added.
Apart from the Sikh community, people from different professions and communities are also coming forward to lend a helping hand to the poor and homeless people in this time of crisis.
Michael Kharsyntiew, a social worker and a resident of Upper Jaiaw, has also started free food relief distribution for the homeless, street children and daily labourers, from March 21, and he along with his team deliver the food to the people every night.
He distributes the food in areas like Police Bazar, Jailroad, Motphran, Iewduh, Keating Road, Polo, Barapathar among others.
Meanwhile, the Shillong Marwari Community, after donating 40 water tanks and other items, have now decided to distribute free ration to the poor with the help of the Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills and Blah, the secretary Rangbah Shnong.
“The poor must be fed. If they go hungry, the society collapses. Our community will come up with a mechanism for the distribution of ration to the poor through the administration and the secretary,” the community said.
