HITO expresses concern over COVID protocol violation during bye-elections

A REPORTER

SHILLONG: The Hynñiewtrep Integrated Territorial Organization (HITO) on Thursday submitted a complaint to the Chief Secretary of Meghalaya R.V.Suchiang regarding the bye-elections in which COVID protocols are being completely flouted by the parties.

The State is having bye-elections in three constituencies, which includes 13 Mawryngkneng, 24 Mawphlang and 47 Rajabala constituencies.

"Since April 2020, the State of Meghalaya has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic that has resulted in loss of lives and also imposition of several long periods of lockdown in the State amongst other restrictions, protocols and SOPs for preventing the spread of the novel coronavirus in the State," Shaniah S Nongrum, HITO legal secretary said.

He said the public had strictly adhered to the protocols laid down by the district administration(s) and the State Government, even at the times of festivals, social events, and as a result, the outbreak of the disease has remained in control in the state of Meghalaya. "However, the bye-elections are to be held in for three constituencies in the State, namely, 13 Mawryngkneng, 24 Mawphlang and 47 Rajabala constituencies, Meghalaya, and it is quite apparent that during the campaigns, the COVID protocols were completely flouted by the parties. It is imperative to ensure that the voters wear masks, maintain social distancing and the authorities concerned seemingly do not turn a blind eye towards such flouting of COVID protocols during the elections," he said.

Further, he said that for any public gathering or public meeting, permission has been given for only 50 persons but for the bye-election campaigns, there was no limit and hundreds of people had gathered without masks. "Moreover, persons from all States and also from within the State are subjected to COVID tests and/or double dosage of COVID vaccine before entering the State but during the bye-elections, it is apparent that majority of the crowd/voters were not vaccinated nor tested," he said. He questioned whether the COVID protocols laid down by the government are only for the common people and the same are not applicable during the bye-elections?

"We request you to look into the matter and take necessary action in regard to the flouting of COVID protocols in the State while campaigning for the bye-elections at 13 Mawryngkneng, 24 Mawphlang and 47 Rajabala constituencies, and also provide details as to whether the voters are vaccinated or not and/or subject to testing before casting their respective votes and ensure that they strictly adhere to the applicable COVID protocols," he said.

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