Mumbai returnees clarify Mao Gate incident
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 18 2020: With respect to demand for immediate suspension of Senapati DC Somorjit Salam by civil bodies based in Senapati, a 36-member team returning from Mumbai has clarified about the events of May 13 last that took place at Mao Gate and Senapati in a statement today.

The returnees stated that they were a group of 36 members plus 3 drivers of which 13 were cancer patients who had gone to Mumbai for chemotherapy and various treatments much before the lockdown and got stranded at Mumbai.

"With approvals from both the State Governments, we booked an ambulance and a bus and started our long itinerary from May 8, it said and added that some of the patients were with nose feeding tubes, while some were with glucose drips throughout the journey.

The returnees also said that they were medically verified as per the COVID-19 guidelines laid down by the Government of India.

Saying that they met some good Samaritans enroute and helped them with packed lunch and dinner, the returnees thanked all the people who had helped them throughout the journey with a human touch.

Finally, we reached Mao Gate at around 6.15 pm of May 13 and after all the necessary verifications were conducted, we were directed to report at IIIT Mantriphukhri for further medical verification and necessary tests, the statement continued adding that they stayed at Mao gate owing to the timing.

Claiming that one of the returnees enquired with the respective authorities who were on duty to park the vehicles and arrange food and lodging for the cancer patients, the returnees alleged that one of the Government officials there used vulgar words in response under the pretext of physical distancing.

"We politely requested him not to use such inappropriate words in public and while on duty.

To this, the official pointed to the member and aggressively threatened "who are you?" and the police officers on duty there also threatened to physically assault us and lodge us behind a bar", the returnees claimed and maintained that they requested the officials to calm down and help them.

Lamenting that they were in a dilemma as they were told that night halt can be made at a distance of about 2 km away up the hill which wasn't possible with the patients, the statement said that they finally contacted district authority concerned over the phone at around 9.30 pm.

The Deputy Commissioner of Senapati helped us with full co-operation and guided us to come to Senapati.

We were briefed and instructed by the DC to follow the COVID-19 protocol strictly, the returnees added.

The returnees also said that the DC arranged a meal and building for them to stay for the night.

Claiming that none of them ventured out of the building till their departure, the returnees stated they proceeded for IIIT Imphal for medical verification and necessary tests at around 6.30 am of May 14 .

Unfortunately, two of the group members tested COVID-19 positive and they are undergoing treatment at RIMS, Imphal, the statement said and asserted they didn't violate any of the protocols throughout the journey but were extremely cautious given the medically ill-conditions with low immunity of the patients.

Further alleging that though they understand the apprehension of the Senapati based CSOs, their allegations against the District Commissioner of Senapati are baseless, the returnees appealed all concerned not to victimise the DC for his extreme generosity and bold decision coupled with empathic hospitalities.

One of our member's constant social media updates would also serve as evidence to our claim of being law-abiding citizens, the statement stated.

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