The battle hasn’t begun in Nagaland yet with Covid-19 cases not being officially recorded in the state, except a patient from Dimapur who was tested positive and is being for the virus at a hospital in Guwahati, Assam. Everybody — state government, officials, civil society organisation leaders, philanthropists, and public — has been preparing for weeks now to effectively confront an impending challenge, perhaps the biggest health crisis the world has ever faced. In the process, pushing and shoving, outcry and disagreement, criticism and condemnation have been witnessed, it is not uncommon during emergencies like this, as citizens want the government to act faster than usual. However, it is easier said than done especially if such activities require technical expertise and huge investment. But what we see in Nagaland state today is more than just confusion, fear or anxiety about the coronavirus but sheer panic and mishandling of the situation at all levels. While unnecessary clashes between the police personnel and healthcare workers, two of the most important frontline workers, have been reported in some pockets of the state, many seem to have decided to use the lockdown period to criticise every policy decision of the government, irrespective of good or bad, on social media. That’s not all. Amid this commotion, some people have brought a bad name to the state besides inviting trouble for themselves by posting objectionable content. In a complete contrast of what is seen in other parts of the world where wild animals roam around on the otherwise bustling streets, and birds thronging the water bodies in the middle of human settlements following lockdown, Nagaland is in the news for killing wild animals for consumption. The chief wildlife warden of Nagaland has said that people suspected in engaging in illegal hunting have been surrendered to Wildlife Wing, department of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, and that the case is being investigated as per relevant section of the Wildlife Protection Act 1972. But will stringent punishment against the culprits act as a deterrent? Yes, maybe to some extent, but change of mindset is required to beat all these elements that have caused unwanted commotion in our society today.
If we want to build a progressive society, we have to shed negativity, which is a social disease that can obstruct both material and human development, and learn to appreciate good deeds of others however small it may be. In times of crisis like Covid-19, it is important to work with the government despite all flaws and shortcomings. We also should stop old habits such as hunting, it disrupts the ecosystem and now co-existence with nature is the only option left before the human race if we don’t want to become extinct. If we don’t co-exist with other species, it is not war but nature that will eventually destroy us in the form of new viruses, climate change and natural calamities. Coexistence with nature is the need of the hour.
