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Two detained in Kolkata for distributing anti-vaccine leaflets

Some sections of civil society have been campaigning against vaccination

Virus Outbreak India Representational image | Salil Bera

Two people were detained in Kolkata by the Barrackpore Police Commissionerate for distributing leaflets urging people not to take the COVID-19 vaccine. The leaflets had ‘Bharat Jagaran Andalan’ written on it.

The duo, reportedly, belong to an NGO Awaken India Movement (AIM), which had urged people not to wear masks and even encouraged them to hug each other.

Some sections of civil society have been campaigning against vaccination in the country.

A senior Kolkata police official said, “Some activities (anti-vaccination movement) have been noticed. They are mainly targeting schools and shanties where poor people live. It is disastrous and must be uprooted. Investigation is on.”

Assam Rifles, too, confirmed similar movements in the northeast.

“The insurgent groups here do not want government projects to succeed in these underdeveloped regions. They are provoking people not to take the vaccine supplied by the government of India, even if it’s free of cost,” an Assam Rifles officer said.

In the villages near the India-Myanmar border, the vaccination rate is below 20 per cent. Assam Rifles, along with local administration, is conducting open vaccination camps to up the percentage.

The AIM website claims the organisation comprises individuals from diverse backgrounds and expertise, including doctors, researchers, lawyers, among others.

“Ministry of Home Affairs has been informed about it (AIM). They will see whether there is any foreign funding or not,” said an Assam Rifles officer.

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