Call of the Central Committee of the Communist Ghadar Party of India, 26th March, 2020
Coronavirus, which has been spreading throughout the world during the past few weeks, poses a grave threat to the lives of all. More than 21,000 people in the world have already died as a result of this virus, and the numbers are rising in several countries. So far, the number of infected persons in India has been small, but if the virus spreads, the result will be disastrous.
Responding to this threat, the Government of India has announced a 21-day lock down of all economic, political and social activities starting on 24th March, with the exception of the most essential goods and services of daily consumption. Hospitals, clinics and chemist shops are open, and so are those engaged in supplying milk, eggs, vegetables, groceries and other daily needs. Numerous industries have been shut down, as have all schools and colleges. All workers not engaged in essential sectors have been advised to stay at home.
Communist Ghadar Party of India salutes the workers in the health sector, those engaged in the production and distribution of essential commodities, municipal workers and the police, who are all working hard to serve the people at the risk of their own lives!
Communist Ghadar Party of India considers the 21 days lock down as a necessary step in the struggle against coronavirus. It is essential for all the people to cooperate in avoiding exposure to crowds, maintaining “social distance” and frequently washing their hands. Workers can legitimately demand wages to be paid for the period of the shutdown and daily wage earners to be paid compensation by the government.
The times are calling for international cooperation in fighting against this pandemic. This is not the time to blame this or that country for having spread the virus or for not having done enough to prevent its spread.
The Central Committee of the Communist Ghadar Party of India calls on all its members, supporters and sympathizers to extend full support to the common struggle of the people and of the central and state governments, to prevent Coronavirus from spreading like wildfire in our country.