The Dorbar Shnong of Laban has engaged 50 volunteers from the neigbourhood who were in action today monitoring and ensuring discipline as the public emerged from their homes to shop for essentials.
Speaking to Highland Post, Rangbah Shnong Edward Kharwanlang said that the Dorbar has also directed shopkeepers to streamline the way they function so that there is no overcrowding of shoppers or any unnecessary rushing about.
“With the help of the volunteers, magistrate and the police we were able to control any untoward incident today. We also kept volunteers at some entry points to see that no outsiders come from other localities except those coming for medicines,” Kharwanlang said.
Laban has recorded more than 100 Covid-19 infections since April, with more than 40 of these still active cases.
“We keep encouraging residents to take the vaccination. All the members of the Dorbar Shnong and Covid Care Management Team have taken the vaccination and we make the announcement every day on this matter,” he added.
Kharwanlang also supported the total lockdown which he said is the only way to break the chain.
The Dorbar is collecting funds from willing residents to help the poor in the community with their essential requirements.
“Last year we did it and we can do it again this time,” the headman stated.
Social Secretary Vernon Syiem thanked the volunteers who are providing their help free of cost.
The Dorbar Shnong incurred expenses of more than Rs 8 lakh last year in providing basic requirements and refreshments for more than 100 volunteers and Syiem said he hoped that the government will also provide some assistance to all the Dorbar Shnongs for their work in fighting the pandemic.
Meanwhile, many shopkeepers and the public believed that the relaxation was too short and should have been extended until 5pm.
“Most of us could not even get our essentials because we had to wait in long queues. This short relaxation is creating more rushing because people fear that they will have to return home empty,” a member of the public opined.
