COVID-19 - REDISCOVERING THE NEIGHBOUR

As the contagion finally started its spread to the Kashmir periphery, the affected population has started reviving and re-understanding the traditional support structure within their own ecosystem that had compromised over the years,Umar Mukhtar, Farzana Nissar and Samreena Nazir reports

- Umar Mukhtar, Farzana Nissar and Samreena Nazir

Ishfaq Ahmad, 35, a shopkeeper of Ratnipora Pulwama used to follow Standard Operating Procedure and Covid19 protocols to ensure his safety. By late April, one day, he woke up to the body aches and high body temperature. Sensing something was wrong in such times, he quickly went for a Covid test.

To his bad luck he was positive. He had no idea where he contracted the virus. He called his home and asked them to not touch any of his things, citing his results.

Once home, in self-isolation, Ahmad stayed away from his elderly parents, wife and sister. In the following few days, some other family members began to show the mild symptoms. They all tested positive.

“We all were in separate rooms,” he said. Now the real crisis began. There was no one to cook and wash. “Unlike Srinagar, there are no home delivery services available in rural areas. There is no one to deliver medicines other essential items.”

However, neighbours came to their rescue.

Every morning they dropped four hot water bottles, bread and milk on the outer fence of the house. They also cooked meals for them at home and delivered it in disposable plates.

“Moreover, whatever I need, medicines or anything else I just have to make a call”, said Ahmad. “I had read a lot of reports where I had seen families and individuals were left on their own and no one came to their help. I am thankful to my neighbours who stood by our side at this crucial juncture”

AT HOSPITAL GATE