Don’t return to Nagaland yet, Muslim council advises its members

Our Reporter

Dimapur, May 11 (EMN): With an aim to curb the possible spread of Covid-19 to the state after the government announced relaxation for inter-state movement, the Muslim Council Dimapur (MCD) on Monday advised all the stranded members of its community not to return to Nagaland at least for the ‘next two months’ or till the time the government declares the situation as “normal”.

Following this advisory, the MCD has cancelled the proposed quarantine centre to be set up by the community in collaboration with the administration. The council informed through a press release issued on Monday that the decision was taken collectively by the Muslim community for the greater interest of the community, and for the safety and well-being for all citizens of Nagaland.

Citing an ancient ‘Islamic Hadith’ about pandemic that “when you hear a plaque is in a land, do not enter it and if the plaque breaks out in a place where you live, do not leave the place,” the council appealed everyone to abide by it.

While sympathising with the stranded members of the community, and particularly the students, the council assured that they would ‘try to help them in any other ways or request the Nagaland government to extend help to those in needs’ as most of them have their names registered with the MCD and the Kohima Jame Masjid Community.

Speaking to Eastern Mirror, the president of the MCD, Ahidur Rahman, said that there are around 120 Muslims stranded outside Nagaland, out of which 24 of them are students.

Clarifying on cancellation of the proposed quarantine centre, Rahman informed that, earlier, all non-Naga communities were asked to set up separate quarantine centres so as to keep members checked, under the supervision of the district administration. ‘This (the separation of every community) was done as all communities have different food and other lifestyles,’ said Rahman while confirming that they (community representatives) all agreed on it, back then.

At the same time, the president pointed out that if anyone (from the Muslim community) wishes to come back, they may do so. However, the community will not take care of the matter if anyone comes after this advisory is issued, he added.