Mizo Zirlai Pawl (MZP), the apex student organisation in Mizoram, has urged chief minister Zoramthanga to arrange a special occasion to boost the morale of frontline workers in the fight against novel coronavirus, one of its leaders said on Friday.

The MZP on Thursday submitted a memorandum to the chief minister asking him to arrange an occasion to play the state’s anthem, Ro min rel sak ang che, and urge people to clap to show their appreciation and motivate frontline workers like medical team, officials and local volunteers, MZP general secretary Lalnunmawia Pautu told The Telegraph.

He said they had voiced concern about the safety of the state owing to the surge in coronavirus cases in neighbouring Assam, from where Mizoram gets most of its essential supplies. “In our memorandum, we asked the chief minister to take a proactive and comprehensive approach to tackle the pandemic in view of the situation in Assam,” he added.

Pautu said they asked the chief minister to form several committees to deal with matters arising out of the spread of Covid-19.

The MZP also asked the state government to set up a state disaster management committee, to be headed by the chief minister, and other committees to deal with essential items, water supply, electricity and vegetable supply, according to Pautu.

In its 11-point charter of demands, the MZP also urged Zoramthanga to tighten security along its borders with Assam, Manipur and Tripura.

It also asked the chief minister to provide adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) to the frontline workers in border areas.

It also appealed to Zoramthanga to set up a sub-committee under home minister Lalchamliana to deal with law and order and provide health insurance to police personnel, health workers and volunteers of task forces to support their families in the event of death.