Shillong, Oct 28: The organization HITO complaints to the Chief Secretary Smti R V Suchiang that all political parties has flouted COVID protocols during the elections campaigns in the three Meghalaya Legislative Assembly that will go to polls on the 30th October 2021.
The organization pointed out that since April 2020, the state of Meghalaya has been affected by the COVID-19 Pandemic crisis that has resulted in loss of lives and also imposition of several long periods of lockdown in the state amongst other restrictions, protocols and SOPs for preventing the spread of the novel coronavirus in the state.
The public has strictly adhered to the protocols laid down by the district administration(s) and the State Government, even at the times of festivals, social events, etc., and as a result, the outbreak of the disease has remained in control in the state of Meghalaya.
However, the bye-elections are to be held in for three constituencies in the state, namely, 13 Mawryngkneng, 24 Mawphlang and 47 Rajabala constituencies, Meghalaya, and it is quite apparent that during the campaigns, the COVID protocols are being completely flouted by the parties.
It is imperative to ensure that the voters wear masks, maintain social distancing and the concerned authorities seemingly do not turn a blind eye towards such flouting of COVID protocols during the elections.
That for any public gathering, public meeting permission was for only 50 persons but for the by-election campaigns, there was no limit and hundreds of people had gathered without masks, etc.
Moreover, persons from all states and also from within the state are subjected to COVID tests and/or double dosage of COVID vaccine before entering the state but however, during the by-elections, it is apparent that majority of the crowd and voters are not vaccinated nor are they tested.
That the organisation questions as to whether the COVID protocols laid down by the government are only for the common people and the same are not applicable during the by-elections.
HITO hereby requests your good office to look into the matter and take necessary action in regards to the flouting of the COVID protocols in the state while campaigning for the by-elections at 13 Mawryngkneng, 24 Mawphlang and 47 Rajabala constituencies, the letters was sign by Lawyerson War Assistant Secretary Legacy Secretary and Mr Shaniah S Nongrum.
