By Francis Khongwar
Shillong (Meghalaya), May 6 : The surge in the number of Covid -19 cases in the state continues with 347 new cases detected in the state today .
Two more Covid -19 deaths were reported in the state today . The patients have been identified as Ms.Munni Ruddil Ahmed (83 yrs ) from Nongpoh and Ms . Aroti Das( 50 yrs) from Ichamati .
Among the new cases today, Shillong and it outskirts reported 177 cases , Ri Bhoi 56 cases, West Khasi Hills 23 cases, West Garo Hills 20 cases , East Jaintia Hills 15 cases, West Jaintia Hills 11 cases , East Garo Hills 10, South West Garo Hills 7, West Garo Hills 4 and South West Garo Hills 2.
29 patients were dicharged today after they tested negative .
Meanwhile Meghalaya’s state capital Shillong wore a deserted look on the first day of the five-day lockdown imposed by the state Government across East Khasi Hills District.
All Government offices, educational institutions and business establishments remain closed and vehicles were off the road. In order to ensure ensure the workers of Shillong Municipal, the workers of Shillong Municipal Board were on their toes to dispose of all the garbage from different locations along the road braving the inclement weather besides risking the onslaught of Covid-19 pandemic.
Meanwhile , the President of Meghalaya Mahila Pradesh Congress, Joplyn S. Shylla today strongly criticized the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance Government for the abrupt imposition of five-day lockdown in East Khasi Hills District that has put the daily wage earners in great hardship.
In a press statement issued to the media, Shylla said the state Government should have given sufficient time for these economically weaker section of the society, so that they could prepare themselves to cope with the situation.
She criticized the government for its lack of seriousness and trust-building measures, as there was no consultation with opposition leaders before the imposition of lockdown. She asserted that the administration should have deployed adequate manpower to check rampant hoarding and also sudden price rise. She strongly criticized the state Government for not consulting the Opposition on such a crucial matter that affects the lives of the citizens and termed the Government’s action as a big failure .
