Make sure there is no shortage of essential commodities: ATSUM urges Govt
Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network

Imphal, March 26 2020: The All Tribal Students' Union, Manipur (ATSUM) has requested authorities concerned to see that there is no shortage of essential commodities in rural areas.

The apex tribal students' body also urged the State Government to make available the essential commodities at subsidized prices for the poorest among the populace during the lockdown period.

ATSUM president Vareiyo Shatsang on Wednesday acknowledged that the lockdown is necessary to prevent the spread of COVID-19 .

However, he said that the authorities concerned must also see that the difficulties of the people, when it comes to the availability of essential commodities, are minimised as far as possible.

"Due to the 21-day Nationwide lockdown put in place by the Centre and the curfew that has been in place in Manipur since March 21 due to the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic, the coming few weeks will be hard for all," Vareiyo Shatsang said.

The curfew/lockdown is also likely to have major impact on transportation of essential commodities to the hill districts of the State.

"While essential shops and grocery stores are set to be opened, shortage of the essential items in the near future is imminent.

Many shopkeepers will be hoarding the essential commodities and prices may see sharp hike in the coming weeks in the hill districts," he said.

The authorities concerned must look into transportation of the essential commodities and regulate them to make the goods available to public at the right price at ease, he added urging the Government to ensure safety of the transporters and public from the virus.

As daily wage earners would be hit the hardest due to the lockdown, he said that the Government should make the essential commodities available to them at subsidised price.

"ATSUM urges the authorities concerned to put in place all the necessary measures to counter the virus and make sure the essential commodities reach people in the far flung areas of the State.

The coronavirus poses a great threat to the populace, but our biggest mistake will be turning a blind eye to the greater virus of hunger that is set to affect a far greater populace," Vareiyo Shatsang said.

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