Kerala: 'People are treating us like untouchables'

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Ever since Poonthura was identified as a 'Super spreader', Ali's daughter has been struggling to procure milk to feed her four-month-old baby girl as none of the milk booths in the area are stocked and neither can they go out of the cordoned area. Alphonse, 65, another resident of Poonthura, who has been on the support of dialysis was denied treatment at a city-based hospital on declaring his area of residence.He was asked to come back with Covid test report.
Such neglect and discrimination, which the residents of Poonthura have been facing for the past several days, boiled down in the form of dissent as they defied lockdown restrictions by gathering on the street in protest on Friday. The small town used to be busy with fishing activities. With an increase in the number of cases from Poonthura, authorities have taken strict measures to restrict the movement of residents turning their lives topsy-turvy. The shops selling essentials in the locality are either shut as the owners fear to come into the area or out of stock. "People are treating us like untouchables and refuse to give us basic humane consideration," said Justin, a resident of Poonthura.
The locals have also been fuming on the way the locality has been branded in the past few days. "People have been talking as if all the Covid cases in the district have emerged only because of Poonthura," Christudas said, "It is just that the tests have been rampant here hence the reported cases are more. If you conduct such a wide test in the city you will see an increase in the number of cases even there."
Following protests, a small shop was opened under the observation of police for people to stock up essentials. "During the testing times of Ockhi and floods we were there for everyone, it would be nice if people can remember those days before ill-treating us," said Alex after securing vegetables for his family. Though the residents have been getting the assured 5kg rice from the government, there have been complaints about its quality. There were also allegations of poor institutional quarantine facilities. The authorities have assured the restoration of basic supply from Saturday.