‘Freedom Rally’: Govt urged to revoke vax mandate orders

January 24, 2022

Correspondent

Various civil society organisations (CSOs), individuals and church leaders Sunday urged the state government to revoke all orders and notifications on vaccine mandate for adults and children in the State.

The Watchman, in collaboration with Awaken India Movement, took out a peaceful ‘Freedom Rally’ on the theme “Restitutio de Libertus” from old MLA junction-Old NST-Razhu point-Assam rifle camp and back to Old MLA junction.

Some of the participants were seen with placards that read “Demanding vaccine certificate is a tactical form of mandatory vaccination”, “Fear is a liar”, “Robing liberty is a crime”, “Stop medical tyranny” etc.

The organizers also submitted a memorandum addressed to the chief minister Neiphiu Rio, jointly signed by The Watchman convenor pastor Khi Peter; advocate Neiteo Koza; New Life Church pastor Rev Azahto Kiba and Soul Harvest Church pastor Kevisede Kire.

They also sought a stop to demand for vaccination certificates for travelling and attending schools and colleges, markets, show rooms, public gatherings, churches, offices, etc.

They also sought mechanisms for reporting Adverse Event Following Immunisation (AEFI) and conduct of clinical study in public interest, besides fixing a quantum of compensation to be paid to those who have suffered side effects or died after being administered Covid- 19 vaccines.

Expressing dismay with the existing policies of the government making vaccination mandatory for adults and children and discriminating the unvaccinated persons, they regretted that numerous mandates had been imposed ever since the rollout of Covid-19 vaccines, leaving no option for the citizens to make independent choices and decide for themselves.

They pointed out that neither the Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (H&FW) nor the Central government had ever made vaccination mandatory, which was confirmed again by the Centre before the Supreme Court.

Though the Centre had in December 2021 given permission to vaccinate children in the age group of 15-18, the signatories said the State government had treated this as a mandate.

They pointed out that H&FW Ministry was the appropriate authority for formulating policies regarding any health-related issue and directed the respective State health departments for implementation.

And when the Central ministry did not even formulate a guideline for compulsory vaccination of citizens keeping in mind the constitutional mandate, they said it was appalling that the State was formulating policies forcing the citizens, including innocent children, to be inoculated.

Vaccination was a choice and should not be forced upon anyone directly or paradoxically, they asserted.

Sworn by the constitution to uphold its ideals and protect the rights of people, they mentioned that it became the bounden duty of the authorities concerned to frame policies in line with the Constitution and not violate it.
They alleged that numerous side effects had been caused by the vaccine, but till date the State did not have a mechanism in place for reporting AEFI cases and conducting clinical study.

The memorandum stressed that it was imperative that right to self-determination remained intact as it was an inherent right of the people, recognised by the Constitution and international laws, and could not be taken away by any authority in a civilised and democratic country such as India.

Earlier, speakers from various churches, prominent individuals and social workers spoke on compulsory Covid-19 vaccine notifications and other related issues.

In his speech, New Life Church pastor Rev Azahto Kiba observed that the current pandemic had brought a division among the people, church and doctors. Regretting that people have forgotten the word of God, he reminded them that God did not change even during this difficult time. Citing the Farm Laws protest, he claimed that no protester died of the pandemic nor did the pandemic cause any obstruction.

Questioning authorities for imposing fine on citizens for not wearing masks, he also urged them not to force Covid vaccine and respect an individual’s right to freedom of choice.

Human Rights Law Network State coordinator Neiteo Koza reminded the authorities that mandatory vaccination affected an individual’s right, choice and liberty significantly more than affecting the general public, impinging upon the decision of an individual choosing not to be vaccinated.

Naga Students’ Federation president Kegwayhun Tep also gave a short speech during the rally, which was led by entrepreneur and social worker Neits Krome.

Others who spoke at the rally include Rev Velavoyi Keyho president Nagamese Baptist Churches Kohima area; Rev Kevisede Kire of Soul Harvest Church, pastor Khi Peter of Nagamese Baptist Church, High School area and RPP treasurer Vitho Zao etc.

Worship in songs were led by Ongpa of Eklektos Baptist Church.

The programme was chaired by Neits Krome, entrepreneur and social worker

In conclusion the gathering sang the song ‘We shall overcome’ and a hymnal ‘Because He Lives’ followed by a mass prayer and benediction pronounced by Rev Kevisede Kire.

Source: http://www.nagalandpost.com/2022/01/24/freedom-rally-govt-urged-to-revoke-vax-mandate-orders/