Administrations in Barak Valley helplessly watch as thousands flout COVID norms to gather for 'Janazah'

A man highly revered in the community, popular as “Tantu Hazrat Shah” Sufi Ataur Rahman Choudhury breathed his last yesterday. Today, there is a wave of people at his Janaza in Hailakandi district’s Lala Bazar area.

All three districts of Barak Valley are under partial lockdown and according to orders issued by the administrations, a gathering of more than 20 people for any funeral is strictly prohibited.

The orders went for a toss as thousands from all three districts of Barak Valley participated in the last journey of a man they highly admired. According to the information, Hailakandi District administration has received so far, there is a gathering of more than 50,000 people.

“There is very little that we can do,” says Megh Nidhi Dahal, deputy commissioner of Hailakandi. “It is a sensitive and emotional moment, and the man who unfortunately died is highly revered. The number of people attending the Janaza is so huge that unless we enforce strict measures it cannot be controlled. Enforcing such measures in a sensitive moment like this can have repercussions,” added Dahal.

The deputy commissioner informed that the administration had appealed through all organisations and intellectuals to the general public to avoid such congregations. “After we got the information about his death, we were prepared for a mild gathering. We blocked vehicular traffic two kilometres away from where the Janazah was taking place. We even informed Cachar and Karimganj DC that we are expecting mass movements and therefore, requested them to restrict the movement of people. Tens of thousands of people walked in on foot, it is just beyond our control,” added Dahal.

“I appeal to each one who attended the Janazah to get themselves tested as soon as possible. It is impossible to say in such a huge crowd if someone was infected and if there is a chance of contamination. If everyone gets tested, it will help us restrict the further spread of the virus in the community,” warned Dahal.

Not only the administrations but the clerics and intellectuals were also mute spectators. Coronavirus infection has already claimed close to 70,000 lives in India and that is why administrations across the nation have imposed certain restrictions. From not wearing masks while at markets to participating in large congregations citizens are only making it worse.

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