Various organisations and political parties have reminded public to stay at home and obey the directives given out by the government for safety against COVID-19.
Legislators in-charge meets KDTF: Minister of Housing, Tongpang Ozukum and advisor Urban Development and Municipal Affairs, Dr.Neikiesalie Kire, the legislators in-charge of monitoring the Covid 19 situation in Kohima district held a brief review meeting with the Kohima Covid-19 district task force (DTF) on March 26 at DPDB conference hall Kohima. Chairman of the Kohima DTF and DC Kohima Gregory Thejawelie gave a detailed and updated report on the precautionary measures undertaken and the system set in place to tackle any outbreak. CMO Kohima who is also a member of DTF further briefed the house on the preparations and medical facilities that have been set up by the Medical department in case of any positive Covid-19 cases. House also discussed the welfare of the daily wage earners who might find it virtually impossible to sustain themselves financially during the 21-day lockdown.
Dr. Chumben Murry, MLA: Dr. Chumben Murry, MLA, I/c state NPF medical cell has urged upon the NPF central medical cell to sensitize all the citizens of the state in general to heed to directions given by the government and the laid down valuable precautionary dos and don’ts. In a press release, Dr. Chumben stated that, NPF party workers and the support system in particular are directed to exhibit exemplary obedience. The release also stated that Nagaland does not even have comparable facilities which calls for a conscious and informed will to fight for prevention of the pandemic coming to Nagaland. He urged upon all citizens to be well informed with correct information given out by the department of Health and Family Welfare and not become unduly panicked by social media posts. Stating that call for shutdown has become a dire need but shutdown alone cannot protect the public, Dr. Chumben cautioned that all elaborated safety precautions needed to be religiously followed.
FNBA: Fellowship of Naga Baptist Associations (FNBA) has appealed to all executive secretaries of Naga Baptist Associations and all chaplains/pastors of Naga Christian Fellowships to come together in prayer on Sunday, March 29 at 12 noon for at least ten minutes in respective homes/places. A press release from FNBA general secretary, Rev. H. Gideon in the wake of COVID-19 has put out these prayer points: Pray for the healing of Covid-19 affected land and people who are under medical treatment; Pray for the protection of our people, our family, our neighbour and ourselves; Pray for the complete removal of Covid-19 from the face of the earth; Pray for divine favour and revelation to the researchers; Pray for doctors and nurses who are on duty for divine protection; Pray for Christian leaders, pastors, missionaries for divine guidance and strength.
ENPO expresses gratitude: Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organization (ENPO) has expressed gratitude towards the health workers, government functionaries, police personnel and village councils at the village levels for their valiant efforts in checking the spread of novel coronavirus in the state. A press release from ENPO president Kekongchim and general secretary, Manlang Phom stated that, it was the health workers, government functionaries, police personnel and village councils at the village levels who have been working overtime with admirable sacrifice and patience. ENPO also urged its 6.50 lacs people of Eastern Nagaland to continue to fully co-operate to the measures for safety.
NPD Kohima: Superintendent of Post Offices, Nagaland Postal Division (NPD) in view of the prevailing situation of the COVID-19 outbreak, has informed the general public that the skeletal services will be provided at the post offices in Nagaland. This will include financial related transactions of post office saving bank and India post payments bank. In this regard, if any customer faces difficulty in availing the mentioned postal services, the following numbers may be contacted for assistance: Central control room NPD at 8415955048/9436434323/0370 2291346 and send in grievances at sponagaland@gmail.com.
Nagaland NGO’s Forum (NNF) appeals: Nagaland NGO’s Forum (NNF) with National NGO’s Federation and concerned citizens has appealed to the central and state governments for measures to combat the pandemic COVID-19. An appeal by NNF president Dr. Hesheto Y. Chishi and general secretary, Chenithung Humtsoe asked the government to: Come up with necessary financial packages to meet the medical emergency and also ensure money into people’s account to meet their basic needs; To put in place strong public health measures now for massive free testing for the virus and provide free treatment to the affected and avoid the danger of the disease jumping back up once the lockdown and restrictions on mobility are lifted; Increase the facilities for treatment by considering requisition and nationalization of private health facilities in order to speed up delivery assistance; Ensure inclusive preventive measures and actions, as is evident that lack of testing, ventilators, etc hospitals will affect many people in the days to come; Engage companies, biomedical engineers, researchers to produce mechanical ventilators and testing kits, enhance the number of testing centres and its capacity to ensure they reach everyone and accommodate marginalised communities; Take urgent measures to provide adequate personal protective equipment (PPEs) to the health, sanitation and other frontline personnel to protect them and help the system function; Open up public spaces – hotels, guest houses, hostels, school building and others and convert them to hospitals and makeshift quarantine centres whenever required; Engage local administration, NGOs, civil society and religious leaders help spread awareness among masses on hygiene, physical distancing and social solidarity, and responsible buying; NGOs and civil society engagement in relief distribution and essentials – quality masks, soaps, eatables, medicine etc. helping in the fair distribution of materials etc; District level quality quarantine facilities- isolation beds and quarantine beds with adequate medical treatment equipments should be focussed by state governments and making concerned deputy commissioner’s responsible for district-level management; Ensure provision of basic amenities like water supply and hygiene kits, soaps, sanitisers, masks and other essential commodities to all vulnerable population groups, inmates in various homeless shelters/beggars, night shelters/relief camps, and slum-dwelling population across state; Institute inclusive relief measures and livelihood support through relief and packages (food stocks etc), and social security measures (pensions), unemployment allowances, livelihood compensations till the pandemic passes for marginalised/informal sector/ self-employed/ casual workers. Additionally, integrate the losses of informal/migrant sector workers as recognised and described by the corresponding laws, into the state /national disaster response fund norms; Ensure that the designated public fair price/distribution shops are functioning with adequate stocks of provisions and distribute necessary food items to their cardholders in a safe manner until the uncertainty over Covid19 passes; Strengthen mohalla clinics, sub-centres, PHCs to reach out with correct information and awareness drive. Institute similar local community-based systems to support and complement regular public healthcare systems to prevent, test and treat the Covid-19 issues among marginalised communities; Put in place accessible and people-friendly complaints and grievance registration and redress mechanisms under the designated local authorities to provide and ensure justice along with humanitarian relief.
DVC issues directives: Darogapathar Village Council (DVC) with a view to contain and prevent the spreading of COVID-19 in Nagaland has issued directives in the interest and safety of all the village populace. A press release from DVC secretary, K. Ado Bizo informed all residents and business establishment of Darogapathar village about the following directives: All permanent/temporary residents of the village are directed to stay home quarantined till further orders/notices are given by the state government and public information given by the Darogapathar Village Council; Visitors are strictly prohibited within the Darogapathar village jurisdiction and the roads leading to the village via Naharbari, Phaipijan, Thilixu and NH-29 shall be in total restriction for all visitors; Any new individual/person arriving to stay at the village jurisdiction is strictly prohibited till further orders and even any individual/person leaving the village or travelling to other places shall be prohibited to return to the village jurisdiction till further notice; All public of Darogapathar village is strictly directed not to loiter around the village but to confine themselves within their homes and compound; No private/public transport shall be allowed to ply within the village jurisdiction; All residents residing in Darogapathar village are advised to procure their essential commodities within March 28, thereafter; The markets within the village jurisdiction shall remain closed till further orders; All the developmental works within the village jurisdictions is suspended till further orders by the village council; No organizations or individual shall be allowed to hold any functions or seminars or camps/group activities within the village jurisdiction without the consent to the village council; In case of any emergency arising thereof, the public are directed to inform the Darogapathar Village Council for approval and permission at 09383205771/09436016404 (village council), 07005129868 (president DYO), 09612900717 (president, BADV) and 07085065167 (police assistance centre, Darogapathar); For strict compliance and implementation of the above directives, the Darogapathar Village Youth Organization (DVYO) and Goanburas are requested to be vigilant. The directives shall remain in force within the Darogapathar village jurisdiction till further public information or announcement made by the council. Violations to the above directives shall invite prosecutions as deemed fit by the council.
BVC: Botsa Village Council (BVC) held a meeting on March 25 along with EAC Botsa circle and MO of PHC Botsa, attended by various organisations of the village. A press release from BVC chairman Zhahelie Rio stated that, meeting resolved the following for strict compliance during the lockdown period: Only three designated ration shops will be allowed to be opened within the village, namely one at Gracy Hotel area, one at central part of Botsa and one at Highway Inn Hotel area; Timing for opening and closing of the designated ration shops shall be as follows: Morning from 6 a.m to 9 a.m and evening from 4 p.m to 6 p.m; No outsiders shall be entertained by any resident of the village during the entire lockdown period; Residents of Botsa shall not venture out of their respective compounds, unless for exigent requirements.
JCF of DEEHA: Joint Council Forum (JCF) of Dubagaon, Ekaranipathar, Eralibill, K. Hollohon Colony and Aoyimti villages (DEEHA) resolved to impose some restrictions under its jurisdiction. A press release from JCF of DEEHA chairman V. Shekishe Achumi and secretary A. Polongnok Lkr stated that, following orders have been enforced throughout DEEHA jurisdiction till further notification: Public are hereby directed to stay at home and not move out except for purchase of essential commodities and medical exigencies; Only one person from a family will be permitted /allowed to go out for purchase of essential commodities and not more than three people in a group; All vehicular movement of non-essential nature is prohibited under DEEHA jurisdiction; Outsiders are not allowed to enter, unless special permission is availed from the concerned village council; Any students, workers, businessmen etc coming home from outside Dimapur are directed to remain in quarantine for 15 days; Prior information should be given to the office about their arrival; Public gathering is banned under DEEHA. Any person/group not adhering to the order shall be deemed to have committed an offence and will be dealt with stringent penalty.
Diphupar ‘B’ Village Council informs: Diphupar ‘B’ Village Council (DBVC), in an emergency meeting held on March 24, unanimously resolved that all ongoing construction works and other developmental activities in the locality are to be discontinued with immediate effect. A press release by chairman stated that all human and vehicular movements in the village jurisdiction will be strictly regulated, and in case of any person found leaving the village for purpose not justified, he/she will not be allowed to return to the village until further notice; No individual, groups or societies will be allowed to organise or hold meetings or gatherings within the village jurisdiction; Government officials on duty and emergency services will not fall under the purview of the restrictions; All residents are to comply to the council’s decision and restrain from stepping out without a valid reason.
KU applauds and appeals: Konyak Union (KU) has appreciated the tireless efforts rendered by district administration, law enforcing authority and doctors under the establishment of CMO. A press release from KU media cell has appealed the CMO and DHM for finding remedial measures on account of any eventualities. Union urged the concerned department in charge for setting up quarantine center at Mon, Naginimora, Tizit, Aboi, Wakching and Tobu and isolation ward in the outskirt of Mon town. Screening at entry point should be mandatory and 24×7. KU also appealed law enforcing authority to constantly regulate and monitor so as to restrict unaccounted entry and loitering around that defies KU’s order. In view of the geographical vulnerability of Mon district, the KU has appealed for additional fund to the chief minister on utmost priority. KU also appealed the churches under KBBB to uphold special prayer especially for those doctors, nurses and staffs, the district administration, the law enforcing authorities and all civil society leaders that are in the frontline of the battle. Union also called upon well wishers and donors to come forward and be a part of the venture through contribution and donation. KU further cautioned that stern action would be initiated against non-compliance to its order.
ERVCU bans entry: Englan Range Village Council Union (ERVCU) has banned public entry within Englan range jurisdiction from March 27 till further notice. A press release from ERVCU chairman Yanpothung Shitiri and secretary, Robin Kithan stated that, in any kind of emergency entry one may further contact their respective village council for permission. It cautioned that any individual found violating will be strictly dealt and booked under the law.
WRSU: Wozhuro Range Students Union (WRSU) has informed that the union has temporarily barred entry of visitors and peoples having a travel history from other part of the countries or within the country without proper authentic clearance record from any authority. However, WRSU said movements for basic essentials like groceries and medicines will be exempted. The union has also reiterated the ban on hunting and poaching by district administration and Wozhuro Range Public Organization (WRPO). It had also prohibited unnecessary movements and picnicking within its jurisdiction.
YNA clarifies: Young Namsang Association (YNA) has clarified to the appeal letter to principal director, Health & Family Welfare and CMO Longleng published in local dailies on March 24, for provision of trained medical personnel with equipments for thermal screening at Yonglok and Shetap border gates under Longleng district as deputed in other border gates of Nagaland. YNA president Dr. Phongshak Phom and joint secretary, Bausha (Paüwüng) has clarified that YNA failed to mention the sealing of the gates which was done on March 22. However, mention of the vehicular movements and business transaction implied the transaction of the essential commodities, stated YNA. YNA added that the release has led to unintended doubt on the efforts of GoN and the Longleng district administration. In this regard, the YNA tenders its apology for not mentioning the “sealed border gates”.
KYO: Khonoma Youth Organization (KYO) has informed the general public that entry to and exit from Khonoma will be restricted from March 26, and applies for everyone whether or not of Khonoma. A press release from KYO president Mhiesilhukho and general secretary, Mhiesisokho Chase stated that, for reasons like medical emergencies, funerals, state government officials and security personnel on duty will be exempted. Measures are being initiated to home quarantine citizens arriving from outside Nagaland from their studies and other purposes. For any emergencies contact the volunteers at 936668995/8837056848.