CM says state has clear protocols to contain spread of COVID-19, praises citizens for fighting with ‘courage and dignity’

Shillong, Aug 15: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma maintained that the government has clear protocols for containing the spread of Coronavirus and praised the citizens of the state saying, all its people have responded to the COVID-19 crisis with courage and dignity.

In his speech after hoisting the National Flag on the occasion at Polo Grounds, the Chief Minister said that Meghalaya, and all its people have responded to the COVID crisis with courage and dignity and demonstrated that a caring government and a sensitive society can together accomplish a great deal.

“My dear citizens, through the last few months, I have been constantly reminded of what my late father (former Lok Sabha Speaker Purno Agitok Sangma) used to say about challenges and our responses to them. He would say that the true character of a person is revealed during trying times and that each of us has a choice to respond to crisis either with fear or with courage,” he said.

The Independence Day was celebrated across the state with only the Chief Minister unfurling the National Flag on the occasion at the public function in the state capital, whereas other ministers and MLAs did not do the honour in other district headquarters and civil sub divisions.

Denouncing stigmatization and that there can be no room for stigmatization of any individual the chief minister said that the state has health infrastructure in the eventuality of an increase of COVID-19 cases.

“We should remember that people have already recovered from the infections and are living normal lives. They should be looked upon as inspirations and given all the support and confidence. There can be no room for stigmatization of any individual. The virus demands us to be vigilant, but not fearful,” Sangma informed.

The Chief Minister also thanked all frontline health workers, the health department, the district administrations, police personnel, the sanitation workers, the entire State administrative machinery, public representatives, community and locality leaders, Non- Governmental Organizations, the media and citizen volunteers who have been working tirelessly to help containing the spread of the virus.