In another counter-rejoinder to a rejoinder involving COVID-19 management, ruling NDPP has slammed NPP for politicising the issue while stressing on the need for all sections to work together to contain the virus.
In a statement, NDPP clarified that its earlier rejoinder was not meant to deter or challenge anyone’s democratic rights as erroneously construed by NPP. It asked NPP if the act of State government functionaries giving up their comforts to go all out to tackle the threat of the pandemic in the aftermath of detection of numerous COVID cases was not public welfare, then what it was?. NDPP accused NPP of “suffering from selective amnesia”, as the latter completely failed to appreciate and recognise the herculean task the government functionaries along with all frontline workers while tackling the COVID-19 pandemic and handling thousands of returnees from outside the State in the past few weeks.
It said with limited resources the state government was doing its best to accommodate people returning home. Further, NDPP said though the number of returnees was simply overwhelming, the government, with active support and involvement of all sections of the society, had so far, managed to lodge, transport and segregate the returnees as per their health status.
NDPP also said , the government would soon drastically increase the number of test facilities and the backlog would be handled judiciously. The ruling party also urged upon political parties to not bury their heads in sand but appreciate the positive aspects in the face of the pandemic that has taken mankind by surprise. NDPP said it should be the endeavour of every responsible citizen of the State and country to contribute to the fight against the virus rather than discourage those who were striving tirelessly to tackle the threat.
Responding to the charges levelled by the NPP over preying on the latter’s MLAs, NDPP stated that during the last parliamentary election and by-poll to 26th Aonglengden Assembly constituency, the PDA had unanimously resolved to field consensus candidates so that the alliance could continue to work united and collectively. It said the former NPP Sate unit president and elder brother of current president was also a signatory to this decision.
NDPP said just when the PDA was about to announce its consensus candidates, the NPP made a ‘U’ turn and decided to field its own candidates. This left two NPP MLAs in a dilemma on whether to support the PDA candidates or its own party’s candidates as both of them were advisors in the PDA government. NDPP said appeals made by the two MLAs to the party to reconsider the decision of fielding candidates went unheard since the party remained adamant. Left with no option, NDPP said the two MLAs were therefore compelled to make the move and the rest was history.
NDPP once again appealed to all sections of society to avoid pointing fingers or indulge in blame game during these trying and difficult times when the State was combating the pandemic and the government was putting all its resources, manpower and efforts in trying to combat it besides taking care of the huge number of returnees. It also urged upon all to not create a panic situation but rather encourage, cooperate and support those working tirelessly on the ground and giving their best. Upgrade of medical facilities in all districts was on a war footing, which is most crucial at this moment.
While admitting that there may have been lapses and shortcomings, NDPP however expressed confidence that appropriate steps and measures were being taken while the government machineries would continue to correct and improve wherever necessary.
Pointing out that the government was being blamed for everything, NDPP acknowledged that a people’s government failing in its statutory duties required immediate rectification, but could not be blamed for everything.
“This was not how a matured society functions. Fundamental rights are not absolute lest they go hand in hand with fundamental duties,” the statement stressed.
NDPP called on everyone to support all medical and frontline workers and government agencies who were putting all their efforts in ensuring “our safety”, and continue supporting them by staying home and staying safe.