Some few are taking advantage in crisis time
- Imphal Times Editorial :: April 29 2020 -

While everybody around the world is praying for a positive change from the present depressing and alarmingly dangerous situation, the grim reality is constantly reminding us of the preparations we need to make for more than probable worsening situation.

We have witnessed the unfortunate outcome of a few countries which took the threats of the present epidemic with less attention and seriousness than it deserves.

Our state is at a crucial juncture, and so far things are evidently under control.

God forbid, if we let our guards down for a moment and make way for the dreaded virus in our state, the dangers and ultimately the outcome would be nothing less than catastrophic.

This is the time when our collective resources and attention should be focused on the grave task at hand, and mutual understanding and cooperation have never been more important or necessary.

Given the difficult geographical location of the state and the hindrances to smooth transportation both physical as well as political, the need for effective and logical utilization of our available resources which are dwindling with every passing day has become a challenge.

Unfortunately, a series of recent developments in the state is threatening to derail the all important effort and focus on warding off the Corona virus epidemic from the state.

First off, the curious case of planeloads of betel leaf brought into the state during the lockdown amidst eager anticipation and requests for PPEs and other emergency medical requirements to be requisitioned from outside the state, although not illegal, has been swept under the carpet with the arrest of a few individuals.

The lure and greed for profit is still evidently a greater priority than the threat to life.

The blatant outburst of the Deputy Chief Minister against the Chief Minister is another interesting albeit unfortunate development.

The fallout of this ugly public tirade can still destabilize the political atmosphere of the state government, as the present coalition government is not without infighting while the opposition who had the majority mandate during the last general election must surely be mulling its opportunity to change its fortune.

If the state government is to assure the public of its expressed intent of making essential commodities available to everyone, its functioning, especially with regards to the public distribution system should be more transparent and stepped up at the same time.

Another challenge that is threatening to expose the people of the state to the epidemic is the increasing reports of smuggling of illegal immigrants from outside the state.

While the practice may very well be lucrative for those transporters engaging in such dangerous activities, this poses a serious problem that needs to be checked immediately.

The security personnel guarding the entry points clearly need to step up their vigil and alertness.

Those who are involved in such smugglings should be brought to book and exemplary punishment applicable under law should be meted out without delay to deter further attempts.

Developing and implementing a smooth online ordering and delivering mechanism for goods will go a long way in easing public congestion and movements.

Sports and other informative and entertainment items need to be made available for online order and delivery as this will keep boredom at bay for the energetic children who are getting increasingly frustrated and unmanageable within the confines of their homes.

The bottomline is that promoting social distancing and reducing social gathering through promotion of online and telephonic transactions as well as removing hindrances to the delivery system will certainly ensure compliance by the public.