30th Mar 2020 10:03:PM Editorials
Eastern Sentinel Arunachal News

As Covid-19 pandemic gets more ferocious taking the combat efforts to something of a per-minute-fight phenomenon, the national response to it, sadly, has seen some unwanted inclusions. In various parts of the country, the ‘warriors’, who, working 24x7 are trying to pull out the hapless and confused nation from the vortex of an impending catastrophe, are facing ‘red eyes’ of their landlords and landladies with orders to evict residences within thinnest possible times. The reason put forward in support of this banishment- these frontline health personnel are ‘potential carriers’ of the deadly germ and as such they mustn’t be continued to stay in the building or the neighbourhood. And the terrible misfortune for the nation is, despite appeals coming from highest ranks of the government and society, which at normal times would have attracted obedient responses, the threats and forceful evictions continue unabated. How still backward a good portion of the so-called educated Indian society is!

Initially, there were only stray cases which were being reported in early third week of the month. But, immediately with onset of the lockdown, when ‘fear became the key’, it took a serious proportion with the most disturbing manifestation taking place in the city from where the country is ruled. Not only verbal threats, many of these doctors, nurses, health workers or anyone having slightest of an association with a health establishment attending corona patients have been thrown out, initially out of their homes and then from the locality subsequently. Now the ‘poison’ has spread out its wings to other parts and nothing can be more unfortunate in a critical situation like this. With this sudden shock, which is more mental of a nature than other tribulations, how can 100 % be expected from them, which, in a bitter irony, is the utmost need of the nation now. Looking at things, it will remind one of the eternal tussle between science vs superstition which has been an inseparable part of the Indian life. While the former has seen triumphs on many occasions, in this case, the latter is emerging victorious.

But it should be understood by all those engaged in these acts which altogether seriously undermines morality and conscience, it’s the medical fraternity which is leading the battle and the only hope. They should stop concluding at once that those handling corona patients are sure carriers of the virus. If that was so, the entire rank and file of the heath providing apparatus would have tested positive by now.

If appeals continue falling on deaf ears, governments, both Centre and States must be strict and take strong action against those recklessly practicing this ostracism. The nation must stand by the medical fraternity all throughout the battle.


Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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