Differing versions emerge as Tuensang searches for answers

Our Reporter
Dimapur, May 28 (EMN): The detection of Covid-19 infection among four of those who were sent to Tuensang from Kohima prior to their test being confirmed, and their alleged mistreatment, has raised a public outcry in the state.

As ever, there were conflicting accounts. According to one of the passengers, currently quarantined at Sao Chang College in Tuensang, ‘no food was provided throughout the journey’, which is almost 15 hour-long.

“We were provided boiled eggs and biscuits in the morning at our centre in Mereima till late afternoon; we departed only around 2.30 pm,” said one passenger.

The passenger also informed that they did not get off the bus when they were provided refreshments in Mokokchung and Wokha town by various organisations, ‘while maintaining social distancing’.

“We got off only once at Alichen when the police disinfected the buses; we were only following what was told to us the whole time,” informed the passenger.

On the contrary, government officials informed Eastern Mirror that packed-food were given to the Tuensang-bound passengers.

Another source from Meriema quarantine centre said that the passengers were given breakfast that include eggs, loaves of bread, bananas and juice.

President of the Confederation of Chang Students’ Union (CCSU), Chingmak Kumchuba, informed that during a meeting on Thursday in Tuensang, Minister for Health and Family Welfare, S Pangnyu Phom, had ‘admitted to a misunderstanding and miscommunication’ in Kohima.

“We cannot undo what has happened but we will not sit quietly and will do whatever it takes to make sure strict action is taken,” he said and affirmed that transfer of guilty officials would not be enough.

“If positive cases go higher than what Tuensang Covid-19 hospital can manage, the patient will be sent to Kohima,” informed the CCSU president.

He further informed that four TrueNat testing machines would arrive next week, while sharing that the fourth one is being procured by Chang apex bodies.

“We will conduct a retest of all returnees when the machines arrive,” informed Kumchuba.

‘Lessons for future’

This newspaper also spoke to the convener of Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR), Dr. Wati Aier, for his views on the present scenario regarding Tuensang.

Aier acknowledged that what happened with the Tuensang returnees are, in perspective, what is known as “group psychology”, which is ‘very unfortunate’.

“This could have been avoided with a little more strategic planning,” said Aier.

“Many people who are in charge will also be overwhelmed just like the public; especially, handling such huge crowds,” shared Aier.

Maintaining that the Tuensang issue is an indication of the system in the state, Aier felt that everyone must work together during this pandemic.

“We cannot just leave the matter to the government, police or health workers alone; we must all take this seriously and fight together. We thought it would never reach Nagaland, but it is here now and for a long time, it will be here. The chances of survival of a positive person is very high; just because he or she is positive doesn’t mean that is the end,” Aier said.

He added said that even though it cannot be undone, everyone must learn from this to take corrective measures in future.

‘Sun will still rise tomorrow’

Also speaking to Eastern Mirror, noted social worker, Chingmak Chang, who runs the Eleutheros Christian Society (ECS), shared that this pandemic is a ‘new thing where no one can go through the motions’.

“There is always an element of failure and there is no denying that,” said Chang.

“It’s very logical, it’s not rocket science, that if a person comes from a red zone, a common man will know what is required to be done in terms of segregation and all,” he said.

Pointing out that Tuensang people did not stop their own from returning to the district, Chang shared that a few days prior to the incident, a letter was written to the government appealing to inform them in “black from white” if returnees would be sent to their home district.

“This whole incident gives fuel to the already existing marginalisation,” admitted Chang. “Now we all own each other, tribal identity has now been merged,” he added.

“Money was pumped for quarantine centres in Kohima and nobody has the right to say that this group is allowed or not allowed to stay in that particular quarantine facility,” said Chang.

Further, Chang reiterated that Nagaland has the best social platforms compared to other Northeast states.

But he questioned if the government of Nagaland is making use of these platforms at times like this.

“Are we waiting for World War III to join hands and work together?” questioned Chang. He also said that this pandemic has exposed many organisations that ‘show their doors are open but ask for money’.

“We are just working as if the sun won’t rise tomorrow. Everyone can still make money tomorrow; the greed of the Nagas is another level,” shared Chang.