Apply local adjustment: PANDM to State Govt
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 01 2020: The People's Action for National Democratic Movement (PANDM) today said that the role of local volunteers have become very important, more than ever with the Central Government announcing Unlock-4 with effect from September 1 .

According to a statement of PANDM, the Ministry of Home Affairs has announced the Unlock-4 with effect from September 1 .

It has brought relief to many people as restrictions on movements have been lifted.

"However, if we ponder on the present situation it is quite alarming", PANDM said.

The State Government instead of blindly following the directive from the Centre Government in toto, should look for some local adjustment considering the local context, PANDM said.

No new designated COVID hospital has been set up, no new COVID Care Centres have been added and most of the quarantine centres opened at the localities have been closed.

However, the number of COVID-19 infections is increasing daily at an average rate of 100 to 150 per day, PANDM said.

Meanwhile, the Government and the political parties have shifted their attention towards preparation for the upcoming bye-election, which the people strongly oppose, PANDM continued.

Apart from the COVID-19 crisis, there is the delimitation issue and it is being speculated speculated that Government of India and NSCN-IM might ink a final solution by the end of September.

If anything in the agreement goes against the collective interest of Manipur, a strong protest movement is inevitable, PANDM warned.

Now, people need to understand the situation and take utmost care of themselves by strictly following the safety measures issued by the experts, PANDM appealed.

The situation in the State is like leaving everything in the hands of the people.

Even during the lockdown, some people still came out and loitered around leaving their safety and those of others in the wind.

The police had to fine as well as detain them to bring them in line, PANDM further said.

"What will happen if all these restrictions are lifted when the surge in the virus infection is at its peak?" PANDM questioned.

The roles of the Joint Committee For Awareness on COVID-19, Peoples' Task Force for COVID-19, Indian Red Cross Society, etc, are needed more than ever, it said.

Local MLAs along with the Municipal Corporation, Zilla Parishad and Gram Panchayat with support from local volunteers, need to look after their localities more carefully.

Their role has become very important now, it added.

Comment