ENPO, 6 tribal bodies request stranded people to stay where they are

Dimapur, May 11 (EMN): The Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO) and six tribal bodies have requested people of Nagaland stranded in various Indian states to help the state fight the Covid-19 pandemic by making a conscious choice of not returning to their home towns unless very necessary.

This was informed through a press release issued by the leaders of seven civil society organisations, stating that ‘the whole country has been in lockdown due to the outbreak of the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) for the past one-and-a-half-month’.

‘We believe that many people might be longing to return back home in the midst of our country fighting against Covid-19, and fortunately Nagaland is Covid-free region so far. Considering this, the ENPO and six tribal bodies would like to appeal eastern Nagaland people in particular and Nagas in general who are stranded outside the state and planning to return back home to make a choice to stay back wherever they are if not very necessary, and help maintain Covid-free region,’ the statement read.

“Because our plans to travel does not only put our health at risk but also risks the health of our beloved ones back home,” it added while appealing to the state government to provide full financially assistance to those staying back.

The six tribal bodies besides ENPO that jointly issued the statement are Chang Khulei Setshang (CKS), Khiamniungan Tribal Council (KTC), Konyak Union (KU), Phom Peoples’ Council (PPC), United Sangtam Likhum Pumji (USLP) and Yimchunger Tribal Council (YTC).