Urging all pilgrims and the state government to avoid trekking Mt. Koubru at this alarming covid pandemic, Sadar Hills Chiefs’ Association president Paolal Haokip said, “Coronavirus knows no faith, no tribe or no colour.”
By TFM Representative, KANGPOKPI
As Manipur was in the grip of a second wave Covid-19 pandemic with spiraling infection and fatalities, visit of pilgrims in flocks to Mt Koubru has allegedly triggered fear and apprehension among the local populace.
Hundreds of pilgrims mainly from Imphal, where infection and fatality rate is much higher than other parts of the state, visited Mt Koubru since April 21 to pay obeisance to Lord Koubru. They were not allegedly adhering to covid appropriate behaviours.
Even an elected representative and media persons also joined pilgrimage at this juncture of the alarming covid situation in the state.
A village chief on anonymity, whose village is located along the road leading to Mt. Koubru said, “As we are aware of the recent issue of Mt. Koubru which is on the verge of communal flare up, we just remained a mute spectator despite knowing that the crowding of such huge pilgrims could be devastating at this pandemic situation.”
Another villager said that people are very much worried due to the sudden surge of COVID infections and fatalities in the state. “However, we are helpless as even a polite gesture could be twisted again and we either want such misunderstanding to occur at this apprehensive situation,” he added.
He further said, “The visiting pilgrims were very nice and polite as well to the local populace. But our apprehension is they come from the city where more cases and fatalities of COVID were reported”
“Had it not been in a pandemic time, we would warmly welcome them as an opportunity to make them feel our hospitality at the best so that it would serve at least a little purpose in bridging the gap of misunderstanding,” he commented.
Urging all pilgrims and the state government to avoid trekking Mt. Koubru at this alarming covid pandemic, Sadar Hills Chiefs’ Association president Paolal Haokip said, “As a responsible person for the well-being of the villagers, I am compelled to make this sincere and polite appeal. COVID knows no faith, no tribe or no colour.”
He said that the local populace are very much apprehensive and everyone young and old are restless now in fear of the second wave of the dreaded COVID pandemic and witnessing such huge crowds instill fear psychosis that huge crowding could be dangerous during pandemic.
“I sincerely appeal to all my fellow brethren to avoid trekking the mountain purely in the larger interest of humanity while following the strict advisories of the state government in connection with the COVID pandemic,” he said.The SAHILCA president also appealed to the state government to look into the high possibilities of spreading the dreaded virus owing to huge crowding and enforce the advisories of banning all gatherings strictly through the district machineries.