Manipur State BJP press statement in connection with the war against COVID-19

03rd April, 2020

The BJP Manipur Pradesh highly appreciates the cooperation, cohesion and support shown by the people of the state so far in the fight against COVID19. The selfless duties performed by the state’s medical professionals and security personnel in such uncertain times is nothing short of heroic.

BJP Manipur Pradesh earnestly appeals to the fellow citizens of the State to maintain SOCIAL DISTANCING and regular HAND HYGIENE to combat the deadly COVID-19.

It is an earnest appeal to the people of the State to support and co-operate with the nationwide lockdown and comply with the guidelines and preventive measures laid down by the World Health Organisation (WHO), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India , Govt of Manipur and medical experts to fight the deadly disease. We empathise with the hardships faced by certain sections of the people of the state due to the lockdown but it is in the interest of general public safety.

We would like to place the following detailed status of the Relief work undertaken by BJP Manipur Pradesh on COVID-19 in Manipur:

o Till now, 4 State office bearers meetings in presence of State Party President, K Bhabananda Singh have taken place regarding the COVID-19.

o A 24*7 control room is functioning from old party head office Nityaipak Chuthek, Keishampat Imphal.

o A monitoring team of party workers led by a team under S Joy Singh, Vice President of state unit is overseeing the relief work being undertaken by the party as well as the State Government machineries at various level across the state .

o ’Feed the Needy’ under the supervision of M Asnikumar,Vice President of the state unit - the party has already decided to mobilise a minimum of 10,000 dedicated karyakartas from across the state. Each karyakarta is to support one distressed family with essential commodities like rice, dal etc in their respective polling booths on their own.

Till now, 5500 low income households have been covered by the party karyakartas. This is still in progress and will be accelerated. Reaching out to shelter homes for the elderly, working women, orphanage, disabled children, destitute and stranded students from far flung areas of the state; providing them with essential commodities and logistical support has already commenced. This is being assisted by two Vice Presidents of the party’s state unit Z Kikhonbou Newmai and Benjamin Mate.

o Call for volunteer- 10 volunteers from every mandal to help facilitate distressed fishermen, farmers and livestock owners with putting their products in the market in coordination with the government agencies. This is being undertaken by a 5 member team under supervision of Kh Jibon Singh, State secretary in coordination with State Agricuture and Animal Husbandry Minister,V Hangkhalian.

o Helpline numbers have been opened for 24 hours at district and mandal levels in all the districts and mandals of the state.

o Distribution of masks, hand sanitizers, gloves by party karyakartas at state, district, mandal and booth levels in coordination with state government agencies and local authorities.

o Support and relief to migrant labours; provision of essential commodities as well as logistical support led by the following members - Premananda Meetei, Sangathan Mantri , Jyotin Waikhom, Vice President, Robin Blackie, Treasurer in coordination with Seva Bharti Imphal.

o The party is coordinating with different social organisations to combat covid-19 in the state .

o Reaching the issues of common people to the right platform: constant touch with the Chief Minister and Chief Minister’s Office, Minister of Agriculture, V Hangkhalian who is the party in charge minister for COVID-19, other concerned ministers, State and district administration. The party is working hand in hand with all the aforementioned individuals and apparatus to fight the COVID-19 pandemic and provide relief to distressed people.

o STATE CENTRAL COMMAND CENTRE under direct supervision of the Chief Minister Shri N. Biren Singh is functioning 24*7 at the CM Secretariat, assisted by Chief Secretary and other senior bureaucrats and a dedicated team of experts.

o Regular reporting: day to day activities undertaken by the party and its karyakartas in relation to COVID-19 are reported to the Party Head Office, in charge central leaders.

o M.Asnikumar Singh, Vice President and Premananda Meetei, Sangathan Mantri are available 24*7 for any assistance related with relief work of Combat Covid-19 in the state.

PM CARES fund for the battling COVID19 pandemic has been set up for Manipur as well. A committee has been set up by State Party President with Shri P Somojit Singh, President Yuva Morcha as the convenor.

It is a humble, honest and heartfelt appeal to anyone and everyone who are willing and capable of donating, to start contributing to the fund. Each and every contribution to the PM CARES fund will make a difference in India’s battle against COVID-19.

FALLOUT OF TABLIGHI JAMAAT CONGREGATION:

It is now clear that the Tablighi Jamaat Congregation is linked to the newly reported cases in the Northeastern States of Manipur, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh. This is an earnest appeal on behalf of the party to those individuals from our state who attended the congregation in Nizamuddin, Delhi.

It is in the interest of general public health safety to voluntarily report themselves for testing to the concerned authorities. There is no stigma attached with the virus, it does not discriminate amongst its victims. Unwillingness or hesitation to come out voluntarily will further endanger public health safety.

The BJP Manipur empathises with and stands with the people of Manipur in the battle against COVID.

M. Asnikumar Singh
State Vice President/
For Combat Covid -19 Team
BJP Manipur Pradesh