Ignorance and irrational fears obstructing funeral of COVID victims in Dima Hasao

HAFLONG: In spite of awareness and constant appeal from the government in coordination with the enlightened local people of the society in Dima Hasao, cases of people preventing the cremation and burial of people who died of COVID-19 have been seen among the few ignorant and uninformed people.

The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India, and also the Assam Government had already issued guidelines regarding disposal of bodies of coronavirus infected patients. Cadavers do not transmit disease, stated Dr. Dipali Barman, Joint Director of Health Services, Dima Hasao at the meeting held at the DC conference hall where gaon buras, representative of the samshan committees and departmental officers were present.

The meeting was chaired by Deputy Commissioner,Paul Barua in presence of DSP Borkiri Terang and Assistant Commissioner Hemango Nobis. As per the guidelines, both cremation and burial are allowed as per the faith of the deceased. However, there are certain measures that have to be followed. Also, 'minimum touch' with the body is to be ensured. Still there has been resentment among the few sections in the society.

DC Paul Barua said, "People obstructing burials or cremations are denying a person the dignity in death because of irrational fears. Therefore if needed, having no other resort left, we might use force and handle the matter legally to curb those spreading misinformation and rumour."

DSP Borkiri Terang appealed to the people present in the meeting to understand the sentiments of those families where death has occurred and such inhuman treatment for an irrational belief was unacceptable. He also briefed about how unlawful such acts were considered and might even led to arrest of such culprits under various sections of law. Requesting people to abstain from responding to any rumour, he also warned people in general to refrain from posting any unlawful misinformation or pictures on social media, which would be dealt with as per IT Act.

All basic minimum standard precautions are being followed by health workers while handling bodies, including hand hygiene; use of personal protective equipment including gloves, masks; safe handling of sharps; disinfecting bag housing the body; and disinfecting linen covering it.

Concluding the meeting, Deputy Commissioner has requested the gaon buras and the representatives present to come to a common contentious with the people of their community about cremation ground or burial ground and thus inform the district administration on an urgent basis in order to avoid any such hindrances and inconvenience further in case if any death occurs due to COVID-19.

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