The Kohima District Task Force (DTF) meeting was held at DC’s Conference Hall, Kohima on 10th May 2021 headed by the Deputy Commissioner Kohima, Gregory Thejawelie NCS along with Minister-in-charge for Kohima, Minister, PWD Housing & Mechanical, Tongpang Ozukum, Advisor for Urban Development and Municipal Affair, Dr. Neikiesalie Kire and Advisor for Technical Education and Election, Medo Yhokha. The meeting was attended by representatives from All Kohima Municipal Wards Panchayats (AKMWP), Angami Youth Organisation (AYO), Kohima Village Youth Organisation besides other members. 

Taking stock of the situation on various activities undertaken during the containment period, Chief Medical Officer Kohima, Dr. Vezokholu Theyo informed that results of the ongoing random Covid test carrying out at various locations under Kohima Municipal Area has resulted an increase of positive cases with more than 50% of positive rate in last few days. She informed that a total of 872 active cases have been recorded so far where more of symptomatic cases have been reported in the second wave.

On the proposal for total lockdown to be implemented in the district submitted by Kohima Village Council and AKMWP based on the increase surge in COVID-19, the members had a lengthy discussion on the issue and other areas of concern where views and suggestions were shared among the members.  

In this regard, the legislators present in the meeting also felt that the District needs to go for total lockdown inorder to break the chain and contain the spread of virus towards the rural areas. They were of the opinion that the random test conducting in urban area at present has resulted more than 50% of positive cases, and in such situation people from rural areas coming to urban area may carry the virus to their respective villages. 

AKMWP and AYO also shared their concerns on the need to take stringent measures at the juncture and strongly suggested for total lockdown for some days to break the chain of the infection. 

Taking note of the concerns on alarming increase rate of positive cases and various reasons, issues and challenges faced by concerned line departments and officials on preparedness level, ongoing exercises and implementation of the guidelines at this juncture, the DTF has come to a concession conclusion to propose and highlight the issue to the High Power Committee for further decision to be implemented in the district.

(DPRO, Kohima)