Legislators advocate economic activities with precaution

Our Correspondent

Mokokchung, May 5 (EMN): NPF legislator Imkong L Imchen on Tuesday cautioned that people would be left to deal with double pandemic by letting the economy to shrink beyond control in the process of battling with Covid-19 pandemic. In this regard, he advocated lifting of restriction on economic activities and to follow precautionary measures.

Imchen stated this during a marathon meeting with members of Ao Senden, Watsu Mungdang and Ao Students’ Conference. Other legislators including Dr. Imtiwapang Aier, Amenba Yaden, Metsubo Jamir and Dr Longrineken were also present at the meeting. The legislators also conducted another meeting with the All Ward Union Mokokchung and Mokokchung Town Lanur Telongjem.

Imchen opined that people should not distance themselves from economic activities as it would become a bigger problem if the economy collapses. In this regard, he has suggested taking preventive measures to contain the pandemic and also continue with other economic activities.

Citing that farmers are the backbone of the economy, he urged the Ao Senden to write  to every village in the Ao land to allow farmers to start economic activities by taking preventive measures at all costs.

Aier, also advised the delegation from various frontal organisations that declaring green zone does not mean “we should let our guard down but rather be alert for the second wave as predicted by experts.” He further urged the civil societies to continue to coordinate with all the stakeholders in the battle and to be alert at all costs, saying “we have not yet faced the positive cases in the state.”

Yaden also stressed on the vulnerabilities of infiltration in the bordering belt of Assam. Stating that deployment of security personnel along the porous border with Assam is very thin, he urged the house to draw their attending to the bordering villages and seal the border to prevent infiltration.

Advisor Dr. Longrineken also concurred that people are not yet secure. He advised the gathering against being caught off-guard since the border area is still vulnerable. He also suggested giving more importance on agri and allied programmes.

Metsubo Jamir informed that there is adequate stock of PPE ready to be dispatched to areas wherever the Covid-19 positive case surface. He lamented that people hardy listen to the directives in maintaining social distancing, wearing face mask and maintaining hygienic lifestyle. In the event of any Covid-19 positive case, he said it would be due to sheer negligence and irresponsibility in not following the preventive measures.

The legislators informed that they were there not to dictate terms but to bridge gap. They have also lauded all the frontal organisations and village councils for their commendable job rendered during the lockdown and especially for helping the security personnel.

Later, the legislators had interaction with the deputy commissioner, Mokokchung, Limawabang Jamir and suggested some points for the welfare of the district. They also handed over a fogging machine donated by the BJP Nagaland state.

Facilitation cell for stranded person

Deputy Commissioner of Mokokchung Limawabang Jamir on Tuesday issued an order to facilitate movement of indigenous persons who are stranded in Mokokchung and wish to go back to their home districts.

According to the guidelines, any indigenous person stranded in Mokokchung and wishes to go back to their home district should apply for a permit at the facilitation cell.

In case of difficulties faced by the stranded indigenous person to reach DC office, the ward or village authorities should compile the list of such person and submit to the facilitation cell.

All passengers travelling in NST buses are directed to carry own packed food/ refreshment. Further, two seats should be reserved for security personnel in each bus. Stranded local/ indigenous person wanting to travel in their own private vehicle should similarly apply for permit at the facilitation cell.

The order stated that the movement regime is permitted only for local/ indigenous people having permanent address in Nagaland. It further advised to take special care in maintaining social distancing and other protocol at all times including compulsory uses of face mask and disinfecting/ sanitisation of buses/ vehicles.

New order for traders

The core team on essential commodities on Covid-19 Mokokchung on Tuesday issued an order to all the traders/ shopkeepers for strictly compliance during the market opening day.

The order reminded all shops and traders to ensure strict maintenance of social distancing by the customers. All shops are also directed to keep visible marks/ circles of one-meter distance apart outside the shop premises for customers to observed social distancing.

No traders/ shopkeepers should allow any customers/person to enter beyond the shopping counter. It has directed both traders and customers to mandatorily wear face mask/face cover. It has also directed traders not to sell commodities to any customer/person who do not wear face mask/face cover.

It further cautioned that strict action would be initiated against any shop/traders acting in contravention to the order issued by the core team on essential commodities on Covid-19 Mokokchung.