Sarthak Kanjilall
Port Blair, October 15: Lockdown in Diglipur in the guise of creating a containment zone is contrary to Guidelines issued by MHA, claims Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray, Former Member of Parliament, Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
In a letter addressed to the Lt Governor, Andaman, and the Nicobar Islands, Mr. Ray stated that the sentiment of people, particularly Bengali speaking Islanders are hurt as the containment zone will remain in place till Ashtami night midnight (24th October 2020).
Mr. Ray further stated that he has been receiving several telephone calls from leaders of BJP, elected PRIs, and small businessmen in the Digiipur area who are agitated with the lockdown (in the guise of containment zone) implemented in the entire Subhasgram/ Diglipur area, which also happens to be the headquarter area of the said sub-division/ Tehsil, “Roads have been closed from all points and movement of people have been restricted,” Mr. Ray stated in his letter, which has been shared widely in social media.
Adding to this, the former MP stated that people are allowed to get only essential commodities, people have informed him that this lockdown in Diglipur / Subashgram area (the main area where Durga puja is celebrated) has commenced from 15-10-2020 and will end on the midnight of 24-10-2020.
“Due to the lockdown, people are unable to purchase new clothes, ornaments, pooja articles et cetera, because all the shops are closed,” said Mr. Ray.
All petty shopkeepers numbering more than 300 have gathered and raised slogans in front of the AC office, Diglipur for this implementation.
Mr. Ray further questioned that after he went through the daily telegrams of 15 October which gave the status of Covid 19 cases; there are 16 cases in North & Middle Andaman, 172 cases in South Andaman and 07 in Nicobar District, surprisingly there are no containment zones even in Rangat also there are many cases but no containment zones, then why containment zones were implemented in Diglipur?”
Mr. Ray further informed the Lt Governor that Durga pooja in all these areas will be celebrated as usual with normal safety protocols. It is to be stated here that at this point many poor people (who have been suffering from the loss of business for the past seven months) will earn something for sustaining their family.
“As per my information, there are ten suspected positive cases in Diglipur CHC and eleven have been home quarantined in Subhasgram. No notification for the commencement of the containment zone or lockdown of an area has been issued (contrary to MHA guidelines),” Mr. Bishnu stated.
Mr. Ray stated that only the officers of the Administration have called Pradhans and Political leaders and informed them that from today everything is closed till 24th Night.
The former MP then stated that Durga pooja is the main festival of the Bengali Community. Mr. Amit Shah, Hon’ble Home Minister, and Ms. Mamta Banerjee, Hon’ble Chief Minister of West Bengal shall be opening puja pandals in Bengal.
However, the people of Diglipur will not be able to do that due to this unannounced lockdown, which is wrong.
“I had called Mr. Joshi, Secretary to LG at 12.09 PM and apprised the situation, I have a feeling that these steps (which are totally in contravention of guidelines of MHA) are being imposed to damage the image of ruling party amongst the members of islanders, especially the Bengali Community,” Mr. Ray further stated.
Hence, Mr. Ray finally requested the Lt Governor to ensure that this type of lockdown be immediately lifted in Diglipur and the guidelines imposed by MHA may be followed in letter and spirit.
Mr. Ray also warned that if the same is not implemented immediately, he will be forced to bring it to the notice of the Hon’ble Prime Minister and the Hon’ble Home Minister.
