Relay hunger strike continues
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, October 22 2020: The relay hunger strike launched by six student bodies namely, AIMS, AMSU, DESAM, MSF, KSA and SUK in demand of 12-point charter of demands for effective management of COVID-19 crisis in the State, enters second day with volunteers joining the strike at Kwakeithel Thokchom Leikai community hall.

Participating in the strike, DESAM's secretary general, Leishangthem Lamyanba had said that the Government is seemingly not feeling the gravity of the COVID-19 situation in the State, a joint statement of the six bodies said.

The statement quoted Lamyanba as saying, "With the Government showing reluctance in taking up necessary steps, people are also not fully following the rules resulting in a staggering rise in the number of COVID-19 cases.

Relay hunger strike continues

"Experts have forecasted that the State is likely to record more than 7 thousand cases in October and 10 thousand cases in November and considering the situation, the student bodies have been demanding the State Government to set up a 500 bedded hospital at the earliest.

"Another similar hospital may also be needed if the cases continue to grow.

The 12-point charter of demands also urged the State Government to train at least 300 senior teachers to heighten the awareness campaign about the disease at community level which is the need of the hour.

"The State is not witnessing any such step due to lack of a comprehensive policy to fight the disease and as such the student bodies are protesting and demanding the State Government to come out with a comprehensive COVID-19 Counter Measure Policy".

Lamyanba had also stressed on the importance of civic responsibility to ensure the virus is kept at bay, it said.

He had also lamented the way people are responding to the virus currently while adding that such scenarios would have never come if the people had also shown their commitment in eradicating the spread of the virus, the statement continued.

He had also said the relay hunger strike was launched considering the depth of ill effects the disease can do if the situation remains the same, the statement said.

The student bodies, through the statement, also urged all to join hands to ensure there is a collective and effective fight against the disease and its spread.