Accommodation for 3500 returnees identified in Dimapur

Kikheto Sema appeals to churches, tribal hohos to be mentally prepared

Dimapur, May 16 (EMN): The accommodation committee of Dimapur for stranded people has identified accommodation for about 3500 returnees.

This was informed by the committee members during a co-ordination meeting convened by the in-charge of Dimapur district for Covid-19 activities, Y Kikheto Sema, at the Commissioner’s Rest House in Dimapur on Saturday.

According to DIPR update, the meeting attended by the district administration, police and convenors of the empowered committee also agreed for enhancing the capacity within few days.

Out of more than 18,000 registered returnees, many unregistered stranded persons, about 50% will be Dimapur bound and therefore accommodation would be a cause of concern, the members said.

The house decided that returnees bound for Kohima, Wokha, Zunheboto, Kiphire, Longleng, Mokokchung, Tuensang, and Phek will be sent to Kohima.

Dimapur will host the returnees bound for Peren and Mon districts where they will be segregated and after registration with their details and accordingly send to their respective districts.

From the total incoming people, Dimapur district alone will comprise 50% and with Peren and Mon, it will come to around 65 to 66%, so it will be a huge challenge for Dimapur, said Sema. Therefore, he appealed to tribal hohos, churches, colonies, wards, and villages to be mentally prepared to accommodate the returnees in case the facilities arranged by the state and district administration gets exhausted.

With reports on complaints being raised by the village councils and various organisations with regard to setting up of quarantine centres in the government established infrastructures as well as schools and college hostels, Sema appealed to all the concerned to extend cooperation during such extra ordinary times. He said that the government is working on war footing for the welfare of everyone.

“How can anyone deny their own brothers, sisters and children who are in distress and willing to come home and be with their parents and loved ones?” Sema asked.

He was also optimistic that the church will keep their church rest houses and infrastructure ready for use as quarantined centres; “if not for others but at least for their own church members”.

Similarly, all the villages under the district have been advised to arrange quarantine centres for their own villagers as has been done in other districts and states.

With regard to circulation of fake news, particularly about the 20 people running away from quarantine centre at Agri Expo site, it was decided that henceforth, any person circulating fake news or forwarding without authentication would be punished as per provision of law.

While appreciating the convenors of various committee for their selfless sacrifices rendered and for walking the extra mile, he further appealed to them to continue to work with the same spirit.

The members also decided to include more members in some committees as the number of incoming people are increasing.

“We need the support of all the citizens while we fight with the unseen virus, so let us all come together to solve the problem collectively,” Kikheto added.