It is not without reasons that a growing number of states in India are hugely in favour of extension of the current 21-day lockdown. The unprecedented surge in number of positive cases as well as deaths on the last three days of the concluding week will surely be a major reason in the decision that will be taken in a day or two. But amid this unsettling atmosphere, it is the growing social stigmatisation of the frontline warriors that is also a concern for the entire nation. If inadequate armament like the PPE and all that now necessary for them can be termed as an unforgivable administrative drawback, the other must be their social cornering which is no less an example of apartheid, in general connotation.

It must be remembered that battling the coronavirus is not just a medical war, but also a war against certain social misconceptions which is witnessing a growing surge. Doctors, nurses, and anyone even having the faintest of association with the current Covid-19 struggle are facing unexpected levels of discrimination. From throwing out of the apartments to veiled threats by landlords, the list will be long. Looking at things, one might ponder how quickly the nation has invited the age of unreason. The Northeast people just due to their partial similarities with the Chinese have been inferred as potential carriers of this deadly virus and the students who, for their academic pursuits are now locked up in the mainland states are facing untold sufferings. Just the other day it came to light that several NE students including one from Arunachal’s West Kameng district were denied ration by the vegetable vendors in Gujarat. It was only a timely intervention by the authorities that pulled them out of the situation. But, how many of such incidents are escaping the administrative and media radars is also a matter which can’t be brushed aside so easily.

But, it is a fact that this war can never be won without a collective participation. And there are also encouraging signs that it is happening, at least in Arunachal, by the countless number of unknown common people, which raise hope that come what may, there is no question of throwing the towel. In this regard, special kudos must be reserved not only for those frontline personnel of the state who are working 24x7 directly interacting with the quarantined persons but also those who are ably supplementing their efforts. A 4-year child donating all her savings and the suo motu actions of those who have engaged themselves for making masks will always remain as great inspirations.

It’s reason vs unreason now. If the latter wins, it will be a disaster for the nation.

---

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

<< Back to News List