The Kohima DTF on Covid 19 held an interactive meeting with the leaders and representatives of all 19 wards under Kohima municipality on 8th August 2020 at Kohima Local Ground. The meeting was organised in order improve the co-ordination and understanding between the Kohima DTF and the community leaders so as to contain the spread of the Covid 19 virus and to handle the overall situation smoothly and more effectively. Dr. Neikiesalie Kire, Advisor Urban Development and Municipal affairs and Legislature in-charge Kohima District also attended the meeting wherein he addressed the gathering about the urgent need to practice social distancing and to promote healthier lifestyle and maintain personal hygiene. He called upon everyone present to contribute in every way possible to the fight against Covid 19.
Deputy Commissioner Kohima and Chairman Kohima DTF, Gregory Thejawelie also supplemented on the points mentioned by the legislature in-charge by saying that there is a need for behavioural change and to accept the new normal in order to survive during the pandemic. He also added that we all need to change our lifestyle and develop new habits which will ultimately contribute a great deal to the fight against Covid 19. He concluded by thanking all the ward leaders for all their efforts and selfless contributions to the society and hoped that they would continue to do so in the days to come.
Angami Youth Organization President, Kekhrie Pfukha also addressed the gathering and highlighted in brief the need for sensitization among the general public regarding the stigma and discrimination against infected persons and their families and informed that the AYO would be carrying out a sensitization campaign throughout the Kohima Municipality with regard to the issue. Neibulie Kiewhuo, President AKMWP spoke on behalf of all the wards and further stressed on the need to practice social distancing and to maintain a healthy lifestyle. He also paid tribute to the sacrifices made by the frontline workers and thanked everyone that has been working tirelessly for months for the welfare of the people of Kohima .
Dr. Joyce Angami and Dr. P Ngully representing the medical fraternity were also present at the meeting and both gave brief talks on various topics related to Covid 19 from a medical perspective. They both highlighted on the need to educate the public and to stop the stigmatization and discrimination of infected persons and rather treat them as assets to society as they are that catalysts that can slowly trigger herd immunity and stop the chain. Dr. P Ngully also spoke on the importance of mental health during such a crisis and encouraged everyone to have a positive approach to life at such trying times.
The meeting concluded with a healthy interactive session between the DTF and the community leaders wherein a lot of issues and doubts were cleared regarding the various lockdown measures and SOPs that needed to be followed as per the Government guidelines. The meeting ended on a very positive with all parties involved coming to a mutual agreement to work together and contribute more towards the fight against Covid 19.
(Morotsung Longchar, IA Kohima )
