The Kohima District Task Force (DTF) under Minister in-charge, Tongpang Ozukum, PWD( Housing & Mechanical) kick started a district review cum sensitization programme on COVID-19 at Sechu-Zubza, Kohima on 16th July 2021.
Addressing the gathering representing council members and leaders of villages under Western Angami area, Minister Tongpang said that the world is grappling with a pandemic, and the only defence and weapon to fight it was to religiously follow all the SOPs and take vaccination.
While reminding the gathering that the DTF were not travelling with a mission to force the public for taking vaccine but their visitation was as per directive of the Chief Minister of Nagaland to sensitise the people on testing and vaccination, and to dispel the hearsay and rumours in various media about COVID vaccination. "The government cannot make you take the vaccine by force but it is your responsibility to follow and adhere the SOP's as laid down by the government and your respective village and colony task force, otherwise defaulters will be dealt with under the Epidemic Disease Act 1897", the Minister stated.
Ozukum on behalf of the government also asked for the co-operation of the public with their respective task force and surveillance team and come forward for testing at the earliest if symptoms of covid appears for the prevention and well-being of the patient as well as the community.
The minister while lauding the service of the task forces and surveillance teams for their sacrifices to the cause, asked them to re-affirm their commitment by remaining vigilant in their dedicated work as entrusted by the administration and the people. He also requested the village council members on behalf of the government to re-strengthen and set up task force in every village for prevention and protection of the community from COVID-19.
Minister Tongpang also shared his optimism that the commitment and fight of the Kohima district task force will bear positive result at the earliest and set an example for the other districts, as Kohima and Angamis are looked upon as the most advanced and progressive tribe in Nagaland.
Deputy Commissioner Kohima, Gregory Thejawelie, NCS in his speech extended his appreciation to all the villages under Sechü Zubza for taking care of their respective villages so far. He said that testing, vaccination and personal behavioural changes can save one and all from Covid and called upon each individual to ponder upon each responsibility and to act towards the present situation.
Pointing out that the State Government has empowered DTF to take action under Epidemic Diseases Act 1897 and other relevant section, DC informed that DTF may have to act as per the district micro plan and implement such action if necessary in future. In order to avoid serious complication, DC urged upon the village leaders to spread the message and hoped to see changes in testing and vaccination data.
CMO Kohima, Dr. Vezokholu Theyo while sensitising the gathering on the updates of COVID-19 status, highlighted the three important tools to stop COVID i.e COVID-19 appropriate behaviour, COVID testing and vaccination. She said that the present delta virus was aggressive where the whole household and families get infected in a day or two, which means it was very transmissible and infectious. She therefore stressed on the importance of early testing and self-isolation for early treatment and recovery.
The CMO also highlighted the Covid vaccine status of the area and encouraged them to come forward and joint hands to scale up the testing and vaccination exercise in the area.
Representative from the Angami Public Organisation, K.T Vilie who also spoke said that Government has been trying its best to protect and safe his people, therefore everyone has to come together and joint hands with the government in this fight to overcome this pandemic.
Sechü Zubza Village Council Chairman, Khriengulie thanked the State Government and the DTF led by Minister Tongpang for visiting and organising such programme for the health of the area people. He also raised the necessity requirement of Community Health Centre for the area people by converting the present Public Health Centre into Community Health Centre and requested the team to look into this matter.
An interaction session was also conducted during the programme where many doubts raised by the participants were made clear to them. President WAPO, Kevisekho Chucha delivered the welcome address and vote of thanks was proposed by SDO (c) Sechü Zubza, Tiayanger Jamir. The programme was attended by members from Sub-divisional Task Force, Western Angami Public Organisation, Western Angami Women Organization, Villages, Western Angami Youth Organization, Kiruphema General Council and Western Angami Students Union attended the programme.
(DPRO, Kohima)
