Meghalaya: There is no reason for panic buying, says CM
SHILLONG | March 26:
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma today informed the public that there was no reason for panic buying as supply of essential commodities will be made available across the State during the 21-days lockdown period.
He said that purpose of social distancing and lockdown will be defeated if people do not follow the directives of the Government and District Administration, who have been working tirelessly to ensure that essential items and services of the Government is made available to the people.
The CM appeal came following the chaotic scenes in Tura, West Garo Hills with many disbelieving residents scratching their heads over what followed during the six hour relaxation of curfew today.
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The Chief Minister informed that essential food items will be made available to the public by the administration in different localities. The timing and other necessary logistics are being worked out by the respective administration in the district level.
He raised concerns on the rush and over crowding during the relaxation hours in certain markets of the State today and has once again appealed to the public to maintain social distance of 1 meter and follow directives of the administration.
"During the relaxation hours, there was panic. The intention of the relaxation was to enable public to buy essential food items. However, the chaotic scenes of over crowding and rush is something which is not advisable and desirable. The Government is working for our safety, let us cooperate in this fight against Coronavirus," the Chief Minister said.
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Meanwhile, Leader of Opposition, Dr. Mukul Sangma today urged upon the State Government on the need to immediately comply with all the provisions under Clause (h) of Section 39 of NOMA 2005 to make resources available to the District Disaster Management Authorities/ District Authorities under District Disaster Mitigation fund to take up immediate "General Relief' to the affected people across the State keeping in mind the most vulnerable group of the society which includes- the daily wage labourers; single mothers; orphans; elderly people without dependents, etc.
"I firmly believe that the measures put in place with the advisories issued by the Government and the implementation thereof require urgent review. Therefore, I request you to kindly examine the following points that I am pleased to share with you and integrate them wherever felt appropriate to augment and compliment the measures being put in place by the respective District Administrations," Dr. Sangma said in his letter addressed to Meghalaya Chief Minister, Conrad K Sangma.
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Dr Sangma also said that overcrowding in the markets in Shillong, Tura, Ampati and other places across the State today have drawn his attention and therefore, calls for a serious concern and review.
Suggesting on the need to prevent panic buying and overcrowding, Leader of Opposition said that the overcrowding in the grocery shops and markets could not be avoided.
