RPF shares thought on role of all to combat COVID-19
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, April 15 2020: Sharing its thoughts on how everyone can be a part of combating the spread of COVID-19 which the World Health Organisation (WHO) has described as a global pandemic, the proscribed RPF today stated that the people will need to adopt certain measures to combat the disease.

In a statement issued to the press today, the outfit said that all need to seriously follow the protocol laid down by WHO.

Acknowledging what WHO has said, RPF said that lockdown alone cannot be the sole way to combat the virus and added that it is incumbent on all to steer the call for social distancing to one of physical distancing.

Stating that it is imperative for all to don medically approved face masks, the outfit said that hand sanitisers need to be given free of cost to the poorer sections of society.

Citing the case of China, RPF said that more positive cases are again emerging in the said country and added that the virus can spread from asymptomatic people.

What is needed is good hygiene and understanding of the issue at hand, said the outfit and added that this the is time to strive for a new National character by promoting hill-valley ties.

Though there is as yet no vaccine for COVID-19, the disease can be met fittingly if the people meet the challenge in an understanding and mature manner.

It does not make sense for the Government to distribute 3/4/5 kg of rice per family and expect them to survive on just 20 gms of rice per day during the lockdown, said the outfit and added that this will only add to their miseries.

Attention should be given to the plight of the daily wage earners but there is as yet nothing to indicate that the rightful share of rice under NFSA has been distributed to the people, it added.

Stressing on the need to utilise the money earmarked for COVID-19 in a transparent manner, the outfit said that this does not seem to be the case.

There is the need to issue curfew passes to those engaged in essential and agricultural activities, said the outfit and added that Manipur needs a type of lockdown which is suited to the people.

For Manipur the lockdown should be lifted place to place, it said and added that no restrictions should be imposed on farmers when they go to work in their fields.

The Government should ensure that irrigation facilities are extended to all the places and added that all farming products from the hills should be bought by the Government and sold to all on the basis of no profit, no loss.

Giving examples, RPF said that vegetables from Mao and bananas from Khoupum can be brought to the valley and sold.

Such a measure will strengthen economy and feed the people and cited the example of Maharastra where license has been given to the fishing community to carry on with their work.

There should be partial lockdown in Manipur and the borders should be kept sealed.

Inter-State transportation should be banned, it said and added that markets should be allowed to open once a week districtwise.

The ban on shopping malls, Khwairamband Keithel should continue and disinfection tunnel should be opened at every locality, it added.

Manipur should be grouped in the Green Zone if Indian States are to be grouped into Red, Orange and Green zones, said RPF and reasoned that this is so since positive cases in Manipur are low.

For Manipur relaxing the lockdown would be more appropriate, it added.

This is also the time for all the coalition partners to join hands and fight the virus, said RPF and added that this is also the ideal time for CSOs to sincerely work together and see how to mobilise the people to defeat the virus.

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