Shimla, Jun 9
Agriculture and Tribal Affairs ministers and Local MLA Ram Lal Markanda was show door in Kaza, Spiti valley of Lahaul Spiti district during the pandemic today after local constituents and women agitated his entry without following COavID-19 protocol.
Hundreds of women led by the Mahila Mandal Kaza agitated over ministers’ entry into the valley alleging that he was not following protocol for COVID-19. Not allowing the minister to enter in Kaza tribal town today the woman protested against the administration by shouting slogans.
President of Mahila Mandal and vice president Dolama Devi and Chharing Dolma said that they are ensuring strict adherence of guidelines before allowing the entry of people in the valley. They said that even local residents who return home are being forced to stay outside the town in quarantine. Adding that even food and other essentials are being served to those quarantined.
The women alleged that the minister has been visiting tribal areas time and again and since the people of Kaza have made self provisions to not allow any outsiders in the area without compulsory quarantine, even he shall be not allowed to enter. This will help us to keep the valley pandemic free, they informed.
These women alleged that minister was directly entering the tribal town without following the quarantine norms which could cause an outbreak of pandemic in the area.
Later after the protest the minister decided to return from the gate of Kaza. Minister Ram Lal Markanda reacting to the incidence stated that he had gone to Tabo (Kaza) to check welfare of BRO workers. However before entering Kaza was stopped by a mahila mandal who protested, affirmed the Tribal minister.” These women wanted me go into quarantine, before entering, but instead i opted to come back because i could not have spent 14 days in quarantine during such hard times,” he added. “These people were mislead by political opponent,” alleged the minister.
Only Lahaul Spiti districts are still untouched by the Corona Virus and credit goes to the general public who are adopting zero violation of the pandemic norms by curtailing the footfall of local people and outsiders.
Similarly situation has been noted in villages of some Gram Panchayats in Sirmaur district also. There too they are also not allowing outsiders and local people belonging to the area. For the purpose they have put up special posts at entry gates of concerned villages.
Replying to media queries recently about such move by the local people without consent of administration State Nodal officer and additional Chief Secretary Health RD Dhiman said that such move shows the concern of local people for the outbreak.
He said that people of the villages are keeping up the old tradition alive by putting up ‘ THIKRI PARAH‘ on the entry gate of villages .
