People's charter of demands to Prime Minister and Chief Ministers of Northeastern state
01st July 2020
NEFIS SENDS PEOPLE’S CHARTER OF DEMANDS TO PRIME MINISTER AND CHIEF MINISTERS OF NORTHEASTERN STATES!
DEMANDS RELEASE OF SPECIAL ECONOMIC RELIEF PACKAGE FOR NORTHEAST REGION!
DEMANDS OPENING OF OPDs IMMEDIATELY!
DEMANDS SUBSIDY FOR FERTILIZERS TO ALLEVIATE THE DISTRESS OF THE FARMERS!
North-East Forum for International Solidarity (NEFIS) yesterday released a North-East People’s Charter of Demands to tackle the sharp increase in Corona Cases in North-East states. The Charter of demands was sent to the Prime Minister’s Office and to Chief Ministers of eight North East States (Assam, Sikkim, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Nagaland, Mizoram, Tripura).
It should be noted that the confirmed cases of Covid-19 have sky-rocketed in North-East states. This sharp increase in Corona cases and ensuing restrictions on economic activities have created a chaotic situation in the northeast.
The past months have proved the governments’ failure in protecting the lives and livelihood of the people in our country especially that of the poor and labouring population, during the Covid-19 pandemic.
During the period of Lockdown, we came across reports regarding the plight of the migrant workers who had been left jobless and homeless and had been left to starve. Images of unemployed, homeless, migrant workers heading on foot to their distant villages have disturbed us all.
Many migrants working, as well as students from the North-Eastern states, were stuck in other cities across the country, where their plight escalated due to mismanagement of the governments and institutional apathy. Reports also surfaced of the racial remarks being passed and physical attacks targeting people from North East.
It is also necessary to note that from March 24 (date of implementation of lockdown) to May 24, there was a relatively small increment in cases in the northeastern states, as compared to other parts of the country. This precious time which should have been used by the state government for preparing and strengthening the crumbling health system was wasted, owing to governments’ shortsightedness.
Thus, it becomes imperative to take immediate action and proactive measures in the interest of the public at large. Through the Demand Charter, NEFIS demands immediate action on the most pressing issues of the people from the Central Government and governments of the states of the North-East.
Timely action on issues related to life, livelihood and liberty would help the people, especially those in the North-East, to tide over the present crisis.
Thokchom Yaiphalembi Chanu
Member
North-East Forum for International Solidarity (NEFIS)
* This Press Release was sent to e-pao.net by North-East Forum for International Solidarity (NEFIS) who can be contacted at nefis(DOT)delhi(AT)gmail(DOT)com
This Press Release was posted on 02 July 2020
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