MLA Susindro advised to withdraw rice statement
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, June 11 2021: Urging Khurai AC MLA L Susindro to withdraw his statements regarding denial of PMGKAY rice from next month to the people if they do not get vaccinated; political activist L Jayananda, who is preparing to contest the assembly election in the same constituency, observed that even if the statements were made in the hope of curbing the spread of the virus, it is unreasonable and as such, he (Jayananda) would be approaching the courts in case the MLA sticks to his stand.

In a video recording released to the media on Friday, Jayananda informed that he is currently isolating himself at home after testing positive for Covid-19.Nonetheless, he felt it was needed for him to speak out against the MLA's statements made during such difficult times.

Extending moral support to the CM, ministers, MLAs, health department, clubs, organisations and front-line workers, Jayananda appreciated MLA L Susindro for the work undertaken in the constituency till date in this regard.

The MLA must be experiencing difficulties in arranging mass testing and vaccination camps and thus, Jayananda extended best wishes to Susindro in this regard.

"However, it is completely unreasonable to try and withhold the distribution of PMG- KAY rice to the people especially during the pandemic, even if the reason for it is to compel the people to get vaccinated against the virus.

It is an indicator of lack of good judgement to link the distribution of rice with the vaccination process," he remarked.

Questioning on the number of vaccination centres set up in Khurai AC, Jayananda said that as per records, around 5000 people have been vaccinated in Khurai, while the number of people above 18 years of age in the constituency is 33,000."How does the MLA plan to vaccinate the remaining 28,000 people in one month? Has any arrangement been made with the health department to vaccinate 1000 people per day?" he enquired, while assuring to extend all possible help if any such initiative has been taken in the constituency.

"Although the MLA might have made the statements out of concern, but it is against democracy and the constitution.

It is an attack on the people's right to food and as such, he must immediately retract his statements", Jayananda contended and urged the authority concerned to ensure the agents do not act according to the MLA's statements.

Calling Fair Price Shop (FPS) agents as one of the Covid warriors, the intending candidate urged for distributing the rice to eligible beneficiaries with strict adherence to Covid-19 SOP and guidelines.

Jayananda then cautioned of approaching the Court if the MLA fails to withdraw his statements, in the interest of ensuring the rights of the people.

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