Keep on hold inter-state, international movement of non-residents to Meghalaya: Shylla asks Govt

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMay 4, 2020

A group of prominent personalities under the banner of ‘ka Sur U Paidbah ka Bri u Hynniew Trep’ or the voice of the indigenous people on Monday submitted various suggestions to deal with post lockdown situation to contain the spread of the COVID-19.

In a memorandum to the Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, Chairman of the group and former minister HS Shylla said the government should ensure status quo of health measures issued by WHO like social distancing, sanitizing etc, are strictly maintained especially in local and weekly markets in the state.

“For the time being interstate and international movement of non-resident of Meghalaya should be kept in abeyance,” Shylla said.

The memorandum also stated that transportation of vegetables, cattle and other perishable food items from other states should be suspended, instead to utilise the locally available produces through collection centre / team should made in each and every feasible locations.

Stating that re-opening of educational institutions is not recommended in this situation for the time being, it said that stranded citizens of State who are supposed to return back, should be referred to the State Rimmed quarantine centres, and this is very important.

The memorandum further stressed on the for speedy and immediate release of Special Assistance as sanctioned or meant for the Daily Wages Labourer in order to enable them to meet their financial hardship or difficulties at this juncture.

It added that due to congestion and overcrowding in the wholesale market at Shillong , it is needed that the Government should make an immediate necessary arrangement/action for increasing the number of Wholesalers at Shillong in order to meet the law of demand and supply.

Meanwhile, the group also asked the state government to consider constituting an enquiry committee to check price rise on essential commodities and also to prevent the involvement of third party or middlemen in the trade.

It said that the government should authorize headmen (Sordar Shnong/ Rangbah Shnong/ Myntri Sghnong/ Matabor) to issue Car Pass in Emergency cases to the people of their respective Village besides providing adequate supply of basic requirements of self protection materials (Sanitizer, Gloves, Head Gear, face Mask) etc. to ASHA and Aganwadi workers.

According to the memorandum, there is also need to provide adequate supply of medicine and also to depute adequate man power along with Ambulance in CHCs, PHCs and Health Sub-center in order to meet the emergency medical attention or treatment for the public.