ABSTRACT
Although India’s North East did not have any cases of COVID-19 when infected cases were reported in the rest of India, the region started reporting infections subsequently. However, the fear of being affected started as early as the Wuhan cases. The intensity of the anticipatory anxiety increased as news was circulated in the mass media and on social media. When Manipur reported the first case of COVID-19, the uproar and reactions that it received from the community were aggressive, a result of the anxiety. The first victim received backlashes, and rumours were circulated, reporting the carelessness of the victim. Even among family members trust issues arose. Because of restricted mortuary rites and rituals, and general fear of the near and dear ones and members of the locality, the survivors went through a sense of incompleteness in performing their social and cultural obligations. There was a cultural and psychological crisis over the mortuary rites. This chapter highlights the challenges, stigma and reactions of the victims and survivors of COVID-19.
