Plight of poor, destitute

The appalling surge in COVID-19 positive cases in Guwahati in the recent times has compelled the State government to declare complete lockdown in the city. Undoubtedly, it was a timely and prudent decision on the part of the Health Minister. It is worth mentioning that the Minster declared the lockdown before two days in order that the populace of the city could prepare themselves for the urgent lockdown. But, unfortunately it seems that he didn't care to be mindful of the plight of the poorest people, such as the roadside destitute, the petty vendors, the disabled beggars, and the daily-wage earners working in the hospitality establishments and so on. There are reports which reveal the painful sufferings of this neglected segment of people. Undeniably, this is our moral responsibility to stand by them, as humans, in their distress. As such, through the column of this popular daily, I would like to appeal to the government as well as the philanthropic NGOs to find some time to take stock of the plight of these people who have been crippled with the worst effects of the prevailing lockdown. We should never forget that earth is the common property of mankind on which everybody has the right to live.

Mousumi Gogoi,

Teok, Jorhat