While vaccine hesitancy is still rampant among large sections of the population, particularly in the rural areas, an insurgent group in Manipur - of all people - has announced cash rewards to encourage the people to inoculate in this northeastern state bordering Myanmar. Kuki Revolutionary Army (KRA) – a guerrilla group that is currently in peace talks with the centre and Manipur government - has announced that they will reward the first three villages under its areas of operation that get fully vaccinated against the deadly coronavirus in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district.

In a press release the Kuki Revolutionary Army said that, amidst the strong hesitation of getting vaccinated by majority, the Kuki National Organisation (KNO) and Kuki Revolutionary Army (KRA) have asked the village chiefs and various youth clubs within its operational area to get its people vaccinated at the earliest, IBNS said. 

“We are promising to give reward to the first three fully vaccinated villages,” said in the release issued by Kuki Revolutionary Army (KRA).

The first fully vaccinated village will be rewarded with Rs 1 lakh, the second fully vaccinated village to be rewarded with Rs 60,000 and third fully vaccinated village with Rs 40,000.

Kuki Revolutionary Army (KRA) is a signatory to Suspension of Operations (SoO).

“Roll up your sleeves and get vaccinated. Let’s make this a challenge. Let’s make a COVID free Saikul,” the insurgent group said.

Earlier, Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh announced a cash reward of Rs 20 lakh to the first fully vaccinated assembly constituency in the state.(SAM)