Ache Khalo
Many have spoken aloud about how the virus is going to change us. Arguably, the fact is that, we have already been changed. There’s enough evidence and has its message clear, we are all in for a paradigm shift. The economy is doomed for a drastic beckoning towards a close collapse. But before we get there, we may be in for an even greater challenge; a test of human compassion and kindness. If we do not pay heed, our own morales may leave us mortified.
Throughout the country, we have witnessed atrocities against those on the front lines. A doctor who died after being infected with the virus, in Chennai, was denied cremation by his own locals. Late Dr. Sailo, one of Meghalaya’s most popular doctors, was denied a final resting place by the very people he may have treated. Policemen in the frontline have experienced untold violence by mobs, to the extend where, one of the personnel’s hand was literally severed off. These acts of abuse are shocking, but yet, is the stark reality now. We have seen our own, being harshly mistreated. A testimony from a Naga woman who had just returned from a city, via her circular video, expressed her agonies in being ill treated by her own land-owners and neighbours. She couldn’t leave town since all express-ways to her native place were closed for commute. The poor treatment of health workers in Zion Hospital, Dimapur were far too inhumane. These incidences are not hyperboles. They occurred in reality. The antipathy against our own, manifested loudly and clearly is appalling. There were many others, who had returned from cities, treated in the same manner. It should leave us thinking of our own morales, seeing these disgraceful acts.
People on covid-19 duty have been subject to galore miseries. Not only have they been asked to vacate from their homes and premises, but also face abuse and violence in their line of duty, accompanied by the harsh stigma. The union cabinet has issued an ordinance and has amended the Epidemic diseases act of 1897. It means that violence on healthcare workers is a non bailable offence punishable upto 7 years in prison. This is applaudable. Our own administrators need to make clear this ordinance to the public. The message must remain simple. There cannot be any tolerance to such acts. Perpetrators shall be punished.
What must be understood is that, very often, these incidences of violence have been attributed to fear and ignorance of the people. In our land too, the xenophobic attitude displayed to one, Mr Jain, who tested positive for the virus is reprehensible. Maybe Mr. Jain’s case of concealing his travel history has more to do with it being misinformed or simply a failure of proper communication. It’s crucial that appropriate legal action should be taken against those who try to conceal their health status, since it obviously endangers the lives of others. Nonetheless, name-shaming, abuse and the xenophobic treatment of a person through the public domain is despicable. It is unbecoming of us. What we surely do need is to wish the sick person our best and pray for his speedy recovery. Contracting the virus was no fault of his. We know clearly, the virus does not discriminate. Love and compassion are bigger. There was a leak of information, of the names of passengers who traveled on the 24th of March, 2020, via Dimapur Airport. The number of calls they received from loved ones and strangers alike, left most of them astounded. Each passenger had filled up self declaration forms and submitted the same to authorities at the airport. Thenceforth, The Covid-19 team constantly remained in touch with the passengers, encouraging and ensuring all of our safety and well being. A commendable job by the team. However, since all the credentials of passengers were listed in the aforementioned leak of documents, passengers started receiving a legion of phone calls and messages. Some phoned the passengers in good will. Still, most of them, called them to threaten, investigate and accuse. More than ever, it is crucial for the public to lend their support by placing their trust in the administration. Not by taking responsibility in their own hands and breaching the privacy of their own citizens. The breach of privacy was uncalled for. The leak from the source, is condemnable, and the authority viz. Covid-19 Team in Dimapur, is solely to blame since passengers from the flight entrusted their details to them. The communal colour given to Mr. Jain is one to regret and even be ashamed about.
According to reports by the WHO and UNAIDS, fear of stigma and discrimination were main reasons why people were reluctant to seek healthcare services, disclose their HIV status, and subsequently, to follow their antiretroviral drugs programme. After efforts were made to sensitise the public, and several other groups continued de-stigmatising the virus through public awareness, the cases dropped by huge percentages. Destigmatization today, stands as one of the key roles in containing the HIV/AIDS virus. It only goes on to tell how important it is for us, as a society, to stand against the stigma associated with the virus. The virus hasn’t hit our land yet, God forbid, but when it does, you can be sure that our people are fully capable of becoming the worst, if we are not too careful. The battle against the stigma must start even before the virus enters our land. Our Chief Secretary, Shri. Temjen Toy, via his twitter handle @temjentoy, has urged everyone to manifest their best during the fight against the pandemic. Showing love and compassion to all, is of paramount importance in our fight against the virus.
