UFM urges ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh each
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 20 2021: The United Front Manipur (UFM) has urged Government to provide ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh to kin of people who have died of COVID-19 and Rs 3000 monthly for children who have lost both parents to the disease.

In a statement today, UFM noted that the second wave of COVID-19 pandemic has claimed the lives of many who were earning members of their families and orphaned many children.

The Government should provide the kin of the victims of COVID-19 support in the form ex-gratia (Rs 5 lakh) and children should be given Rs 3000 monthly, it said.

Stating that the number of Covid positive cases and deaths have spiked in Manipur, UFM said that the Government's expert committee should examine and monitor the handling of the Covid cases.

Even as restrictions are imposed to curb the spread of coronavirus, the number of infections is rising.

Till yesterday, there was a total of 41,265 positive cases with as many as 6,817 active cases.

The death toll due to COVID-19 was 635, said UFM.

The front advised that the State Government, instead of facing the situation when it occurs, should anticipate such a wave in future and stay prepared.

The Government has not yet called an all political party meeting even as the State is facing an unprecedented surge in the number of Covid cases and fatalities.

The State Government should consider calling an all political party to effectively face the pandemic, it said.

Further, it appealed to the Government, people, clubs and organisations to join the fight collectively and responsibly.

To flatten the infection curve, there is a need for imposition of a total lockdown in the State and during the lockdown, the Government should ensure that people are provided daily essential items and food, said UFM.

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