Reacting to the recent incident of transporting returnees to Tuensang district without adhering to procedures and protocols, the Konyak Students’ Union (KSU) stated that government should be solely held responsible for the spread of COVID-19 to Eastern Nagaland.
KSU in a press release by president Bumang Phaiba and general secretary, Phoe Konyak stated that, the Union demands for immediate and stern action against those responsible.
KSU also pointed out that, it was “unfortunate that the people of Eastern Nagaland had to face such an irresponsible treatment within the state from fellow Nagas,” and that government had to resort to such action “at the behest of some vested interest organisations” thereby flouting basic procedures that the government ought to have followed before sending back the returnees to their respective quarantine centres set up at every district.
KSU also demanded that every district should be facilitated with BSL-3 lab to effectively combat COVID-19, more so in Mon district where it lacks proper infrastructures, medical facilities/apparatus and manpower at District Hospital Mon.
As per the latest update, the KSU pointed out that present status of DHM has 17 doctors and 29 nurses, out of which 2 doctors and 1 nurse is on leave. Only 3 portable ventilators, 93 beds out of which only 43 beds for COVID-19 patients and remaining 53 beds reserved for general patients, stated the KSU. Union also urged the 20 elected legislators of Eastern Nagaland/ENLU members representing the people “in conscious policy making body and not to be puppets of their fellow colleagues” but to have a sense of responsibility keeping in mind the plight of their people.
Konyak Students Union also lauded all frontline workers, Medical department, Police security, volunteers, district administration, District Task Force, village guards and empowered committee for their tireless effort in its fight against COVID-19.