Today in this pandemic situation the need is for people to show their human side. This will certainly help in the fight against the pandemic ravaging the state. One such example has been shown by the Muslim youth of Curchorem. They are ensuring those who have lost their battle in that area against the virus are sent off with respect. The final rites of people whose families or relatives refuse to come forward are taken care by these Muslim boys.
One of the boys, Ali Sheikh said due to the virus people’s minds was unsettled and there was panic. This meant close and dear ones stayed away from their final rites due to a fear of getting the virus. On humanitarian grounds he said 5 to 6 friends came together and decided to offer their services. This they did without fear for their lives or the worries expressed by their families.
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Another member of the group Irfan Kiledar said “I thought this could have happened to me or to our family. We felt we always stand with people when he is on a roll but stay away in such type of situations. However with the blessings and trust of God we took the decision to do something for those who died. It would be done as per the requirements of their religion. It could be Christian, Muslim or Hindus, what is important is humanity”.
Another frontline warrior Vazir Shaikh said there were many more who were willing to join them.
Ali Shaikh said that if the family was not willing to come forward and take responsibility, then the government should allow such units who willingly come forward to take the body to the last rites. He further added that for taking these bodies to their final resting place or to the cremation ground, it would be nice if the P.P.Kit was given to those doing this. These kits he said were given by GMC, Hospicio Margao, South Goa District hospital, ESI Margao, and Ponda but there was an issue in community health centre Curchorem with such kits. In such situation when people came to them he felt support should be given by the government hospital. He hoped the Health Minister Vishwajeet Rane would intervene and help them. This was important since according to Ali ten people had already lost their lives while conducting this service.
