Editor,
The above headline appeared in Highland Post of 10th May 2021.This is to be taken very seriously in the light of the fury of this very witty and unprecedented virus that was ignored for far too long in spite of warnings from doctors and scientists.
To understand what is going on at Umling, we should know the exercise undertaken over there. The RT-PCR takes time, say 2 to 3 days and the wait is not possible to be reduced due to the test load. Even here we have heard that the travellers, when they reach their destinations, fail to obey the protocols like quarantine and to me this is one of the loopholes that may further aggravate the situation, which is more and more devastating.
What I could gather from interstate commuters is that Umling also has the RAT test. This requires not more than 20 minutes and, as such, it is a hot topic for a 20 minutes test to certify one to be able to proceed. Taking into account the stories of errors, it is too much of a risk. From what could be heard from frequent fliers into Guwahati Airport, the tourist taxi drivers taking interest in promoting the RAT rather than the assured RT-PCR is talked of in traveller circles. For me the 20 minutes test is too great a risk to sideline the trusted RT-PCR.
The air passengers also lament that the drivers do not wear masks, which runs a risk of infection in a closed space and over a long journey.
We may not be able to judge who is right and who is wrong, but the above experience of people involved reveals the many unwanted loopholes cannot be brushed aside as deaths are mounting day by day.
And for those who believe that Umling is all by itself in an effort to reduce the spread they are wrong. ML05 vehicles are never tested and that causes passengers to book these taxis. Not only that, it can not be denied that since lockdown was imposed, there have been test-free routes from (1) Jorabad-Sonapur-Mawhati-Umsning, (2) Accoland-Patharkhmah-Mairang, (3) from Barak Valley, the Ratachara check gate is never manned, as I’ve heard from my friends, (4) the Guwahati-Resubelpara road. Luckily the effort of the Mairang subdivision had enabled them to turn back vehicles using this route and a case was registered.
To be successful in tackling Covid-19, we as responsible citizens should be very vigilant and take responsibility to report and make suggestions for the needs of the hour. People at checkpoints can not let their guard down. If we, in our humble way, could contribute, we are going to do yeoman service to our fellow Meghalayans and to the doctors and Covid warriors who have sacrificed their all with not a bit of gratitude in this world where turmoil inYemen, Myanmar, Russia, Palestine, parts of Africa and the Ronghiyas shuttling across the seas make for daily news with the so-called guardians of peace deep in slumber enjoying handsome salaries.
