Chief Minister Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio called an emergency meeting of all civil societies of Dimapur to seek their views, concerns and suggestions with regard to COVID 19 on 13th May 2020 at Rhododendron hall, Police complex Chumukedima, Dimapur.
In the meeting, Rio expressed gratitude to the civil societies, church leaders, District administration Police, public and all concern for their concerted efforts in preventing corona virus and for sincerely implementing the SOPs given by the government.
Rio informed that deporting of Inter District stranded people which started on 7th May is almost completed and people from other States has started arriving since last evening (12th May) as Delhi Government has open movement of trains and other mode of transport. With the sudden announcement of movement of trains, Rio was of the view that individuals might start coming on their own. "Virus might come in Nagaland which is a green zone, if people staying outside come, however we cannot disown our own children/brothers and sisters", Rio said and sought the suggestions of the civil societies on how to handle the situation best when the stranded people in large numbers arrives Nagaland. Rio also expressed satisfaction with the arrangements at the Quarantine centers at Dimapur and also advised the leaders of the civil societies to visit the centers.
Mentioning that during such epidemic, as far as Nagaland is concern, village level implements lockdown very strictly with unity. Rio further said that even the DoNER Minister lauded the NE people asking other states to be disciplined like the North Easterners. Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's speech yesterday, Rio reminded for containing the virus as well as for continuing economic activities as well with balance. If economic activities cannot carry on with the lockdown, we cannot take development forward and therefore Prime Minister has decided that MPs fund will not be given for 2 years and 30 percent of their salary will be deducted. Talking about petrol cess, Rio said that such steps are initiated in almost all the states for COVID preparedness, improvement of hospitals but hinted that it will be reviewed according to situation. You tax the rich to help and support the poor is the Government's policy Rio said and for which luxury items are taxed more.
With the intention to make India self sufficient, Modi is contemplating to distribute 20 lakh crores, for which states has been asked to prepare proposals with regard to Agri and Allied and infrastructure Rio informed and further said that expert consultants would be engaged in this regard. Make Nagaland a new Nagaland by taking the COVID crisis as a wake up call, Rio encouraged.
Nagaland Chief Secretary, Temjen Toy, informed that already 18000 stranded Nagas have already registered in the portal, Iamstranded expressing their desire to come home. Toy said that initially Nagaland Government was all set in place to deport stranded people phase wise starting with inter District, North East and followed by inter state deportation through special trains. However with the Delhi government opening of normal passenger trains new SOP would be issued, he maintained. He also informed that 70 percent of the stranded returnees from different states would be quarantined at Dimapur while 30 percent will be sent at Kohima as per advice from the medical department. Toy said all suggestions raised in the meeting were noted and told the members who could not be given time due to paucity of time to apprise DC Dimapur and APC also the incharge of Dimapur, Kikheto Sema. He also clarified that Rs.10000 offered by Government to stranded persons was not to appease them not to come home but to extend help if they do not desire to come home even after doing the registration and are facing financial problems. He also informed that for the convenience of the returnees and also the arrangements to be properly set, window period will be extended if needed. Temjen Toy also advised the district administration for bringing out guidelines on the use of PPE, wearing of masks and to educate the people who are helping the Government in various work in the fight against the pandemic. Expressing satisfaction with the various arrangements, he lauded Dimapur district for working tirelessly and systematically. This shows that all are together, let us work hand in hand in fighting the virus, he added.
In the meeting, President Western Sumi Hoho, Dr.Kakheto, observed Nagas as modern yet uncivilised. Asserting that while all precautions has to be taken, he felt that Nagas are very panicky because of ignorance. He also suggested for arrangement of buses for deporting the stranded people if government can manage and also said that there are many compassionate Nagas who are ready to help. Dr. Kakheto lauded the District administration, Police and all stakeholders for doing wonderful job despite the presence of so many tribes and people which he said was not easy.
President Chakrhoma Public Organization, while informing that around 40 quarantine centers are set up at Dimapur. Citing that qualified medical staffs are required in all the quarantine centers as per rule, he appealed to the government to make arrangements for deputing the excess medical staff from other District to Dimapur.
Several other speakers including Western Chakesang Hoho, Lotha Hoho, Ao Senso Telongjem Dimapur, ENPO, Rengma organization Dimapur, Naga Women Hoho Dimapur, Dimapur District GB association, DNSU, Dimapur Urban GB, Dimapur Christian Forum, Dimapur District Village Council Association also spoke during the meeting and expressed their desire to co-operate and work with the government, if any assignments are given to them.
Besides others, Deputy Chief Minister Y.Patton, Health and Family Welfare Minister, Pangyu Phom, PHED Minister Jacob Zhimomi, Advisors Zhaleo Rio, Tovihoto, government officials also attended the meeting.
(DPRO Dimapur)
