Respect & COVID-19 in Manipur

Birkarnelzelzit Thiyam *

After getting quarantined in three places – Toronto, Dubai and New Delhi – finally reached Imphal. I swear – never in any of the three places the security was as amazing as the one in the Imphal International Bir Tikendrajit Airport.

I was proud and most importantly felt so safe. Then we moved to HRD school for dispersion to each respective quarantine centre. Now – the story begins on why? With so much safety – so much instructions – people still seem to disobey the officials.

THE HOSPITALITY –

I have always thought that people were asking too much but the way the officials talked and instructed really hurt me deep. Firstly, humans go with words – few don't, I know but – most there with me were fully humans.

"Imphal West Yaobro – Oi! Noi Nana Pangbro," well! Most were Manipuris and we are one of the races where pride is kept superior to our basic survival needs.

Words like those made all very uncomfortable. Mask is important but distancing is more than that – there were ZERO distancing between the officials – yet never fails to yell those who walk in groups.

Secondly, masks are to be worn not as a hanging bridge under the chin – many officials were enjoying the hanging bridge.

I know fighting Covid-19 is getting us all over the shop now but the most important weapon is the 'team work' not 'vaccine.'

If a person is being yelled like that – he/she might be hurt – making him pull out the legendary statement – "Sakta Shi Ga Mana Hairaga Eina Tougadro," there comes the typical Manipuri's dialogue.

So, what we also need now in Manipur is a good HR Manager – someone who can manage and talk properly.

Do you know how to bring up a team together?

RESPECT – if you are yelling at the person that you want him/her to listen to you, well! You are making him do the worst. This is not the time for individual prides but collective prides.

Let's remember that Covid-19 started from one, and to end it – we need to finish the last man standing with Covid-19 as well.

Every person contacted or not, infected or not, travelled or not should be treated the same with all the rules – sorry to say this but "Meitei Ei Bu Mina Usittaba," this might be the reason why Covid-19 will never stop in Manipur.

Honestly, I might be wrong – and it's okay – but if this tiny little thing about respect is done – well! You can't imagine how much change it can bring. I swear – the way they talked made me feel like the cause not the cure.

RESPECT – make the person feel like he can stop it – make the person feel like he can be a cure – make the person feel the responsibility not being responsible for the mess.

The way I was treated in New Delhi, Dubai and Toronto made me feel like I am doing a bit to save the world. Then I came home, and yes, "Mapandei Loina Pusinlak A Ney," thank you.

I am not using my article to pour out my frustration, well! I am way better now – Yaiphaba Hotel kept my hopes up again – the level of security and hygiene is world class. And the food – Chef Tamphasana just made me fall for her food.

I mean – I am not saying that I know the way to stop but I know a bit to help because I felt like breaking the law for a second. Sorry for being criminal minded for a second but I am just being honest.

Respect and hospitality will really help in bringing most of the things together.

Manipur is a land of prides – and only respect can fuel it to slow the rate of Covid-19 positive cases – if not, a day will come where we will literally be coughing at each other's face.