MP Karimganj reviews Coronavirus situation in Hailakandi

March 31: MP Karimganj, Kripanath Mallah asked the Hailakandi district administration to protect the interests of the working class, poor and needy persons during the unprecedented situation following the lockdown. In a discussion with Deputy Commissioner Keerthi Jalli and senior officials of the administration at Deputy Commissioner’s office chamber here on Tuesday, MP Mallah said the need of the hour is to work collectively to safeguard the interests of the working class, poor and marginalised sections of the society amid the Coronavirus outbreak.

“Every effort must be made to protect the interests of the labourers, poor and needy sections of the society by reaching out to them and providing food and accommodation during the lockdown period,” said Mallah, who also represents the Hailakandi district. The MP instructed the Deputy Commissioner to take steps to quarantine the labourers who have crossed over neighbouring COVID-19 affected Mizoram in schools and other quarantine facilities and to provide them with food and other essentials. “They (labourers) must remain where they are and steps must be taken to look after their requirements,” said the MP.

Jalli apprised the MP about steps taken to quarantine the labourers of Barak Valley who entered Assam in areas along the Assam-Mizoram inter-state border and to stop exodus of migrant labourers. The MP also asked the administration to arrange water in areas that are facing acute water crisis. The DC pointed out arrangements are being made to supply drinking water in affected areas. Jalli also apprised Mallah about the slew of steps taken by the administration to prevent the disease from spreading further. She also apprised the MP that a close watch is being kept on the unscrupulous traders and on wholesale and retail grocery shops to prevent artificial scarcity and hoarding.

District Development Commissioner, Vikram Deb Sarma, ADC, EL Faihraem, ADC, RK Dam, Joint Director, Health Services, Dr.RC Dwivedy and other officials of the administration and heads of concerned departments were present in the meeting. Superintendent of Police, Pabindra Kumar Nath told the MP that the police is strictly enforcing the lockdown across the district and complete sealing of border roads to prevent workers from sneaking into Assam. The SP also informed the MP that night patrolling has been intensified along the inter-state border.

Later, in an appeal to the people, MP Mallah said, “They must heed to the clarion call of the Prime Minister not to step out of their homes to contain the spread of Coronavirus. Remaining at home and maintaining social distancing are the only ways to protect ourselves from the highly contagious virus.” The MP said the people must have to bear the hardship due to the unprecedented situation following the Coronavirus outbreak and subsequent lockdown but they have to do so for their own sake, for their near and dear ones and for the society at large. “It is with patience, courage, grit and determination we have to face the unprecedented situation and also to endure hardship following the lockdown. But the sacrifice is nothing when it comes to saving one’s precious life and that of others from the Coronavirus scourge,” said Mallah.