A REPORTER
SHILLONG: The Khasi Students' Union (KSU) has demanded the immediate withdrawal of the directive for mandatory COVID vaccination.
The Union has also submitted a memorandum to Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma in this regard.
"We express our resentment to the directive issued by the Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills, for compulsory COVID vaccination for all shopkeepers, hawkers and even labourers," KSU president Lambokstar Marngar said.
He pointed out that the said directive in the first instance is an uphill task to be completed in a short period, that is, the 24th of this month. It only implies the denial of the right to livelihood to the common citizens of the country who are already in crisis due to the extended lockdown, he said.
He added that there is a lacuna on the part of the government to create awareness about the COVID vaccine coupled with the slackness on the part of government machinery to carry out vaccination.
"The present situation demands that medical experts of the State must come forward to clarify to the general public about the pros and cons of COVID vaccination. The doubtful public needs the opinion of a specialist not an opinion of a public servant," he said.
The union leader said that the Deputy Commissioner cannot force people for compulsory vaccination, as this invites the violation of fundamental rights, including the right to consent when it comes to any kind of medical treatment. The government cannot trample on the people's right to free choice.
"We strongly condemn and demand that such totalitarian directive be withdrawn with immediate effect," he said.
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