Meghalaya: Hundreds of people gathered on the streets on Saturday to protest the state government’s alleged forced vaccination programme.
The demonstration was part of the Awaken India Movement’s statewide protest against mandatory vaccination (AIM).
The anti-vaccine demonstration began at Motphran-Them Bijoy-Secretariat Road and ended in Khyndai Lad.
March against vaccination
According to a report by The Shillong Times, during the march, protestors used loudspeakers to express their worry over rumors that the unvaccinated may be denied food, barred from attending funerals, and subjected to other restrictions, violating their fundamental rights.
Leaders took turns speaking at the Khyndailad intersection, pleading with the government not to force people to get vaccinated under any circumstances.
They claimed that the state government was attempting to deprive them of their basic rights by requiring vaccination, mandatory masking and testing, and discriminating based on vaccine status.
Ongoing protests
The AIM has been organizing protests in Indian cities since last year to protest the government’s decision to impose lockdowns, restrictions, and vaccinations to combat the spread of COVID-19.
Notably, none of the protestors wore a mask, in violation of COVID guidelines. In the fight against COVID-19, vaccination apprehension has been a significant challenge for the state administration.
Although vaccination is not required, the government is emphasizing the importance of immunization in order to prevent the spread of the disease and is attempting to reach out to the general public through various programmes.
The target
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has set a goal of achieving 100 percent immunization coverage in the state by Christmas. It remained a single target.
Conrad K. Sangma, the Chief Minister, had also asked the church and community leaders to take a constructive role in the present vaccination effort.
