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Dimapur, May 28 (EMN): Accusing the government of violating all SOP and protocols following an incident where returnees from eastern Nagaland were “forcefully” transported to Tuensang, Eastern Nagaland Students’ Federation (ENSF) warned that the former would be held solely responsible in the event of outbreak of law and order and widespread infection of the coronavirus.
In a representation to the chief minister, ENSF has demanded immediate suspension of the concerned officers/persons as per relevant section of law for intentionally violating SOP rules and protocols of Covid-19 and dispatching the returnees to Tuensang district.
The federation has also demanded the government to immediately provide sufficient Covid-19 equipment facilities to the professionals manning in all parts of eastern Nagaland to combat the pandemic.
While affirming to save the lives of its own people, the federation has also warned of resorting to democratic forms of agitations in the event of the government failing to respond positively to its demand. It added that the government would be held solely responsible in the event of any eventualities.
The representation jointly appended by ENSF president Sepili L Sangtam and general secretary Imtichoba Chang have reminded the CM of the contributions made by the people of eastern Nagaland in the process of formation of Nagaland state in 1963.
“The Naga Hills Tuensang Area (NHTA) was formed in 1957 and it is only with the support of NHTA, the Nagaland state was formed in 1963 with an Act,” ENSF representation stated. It went on to state that the Eastern Nagas, prior to 1957, were free people and free from any administrative control.
ENSF mentioned that Eastern Nagas have equally sacrificed and contributed towards the formation of Nagaland state.
ENSF also appealed to the state government to officially acknowledge the negligence towards eastern Nagaland in all the developmental fronts since the inception of Nagaland state.
“The Eastern Nagaland has always been kept at the receiving end by all the successive governments and the present condition of medical facilities and equipments available at Eastern jurisdiction are in deplorable and is not in a manageable condition. Moreover, with the policy of random dispatch of returnees from Kohima and Dimapur quarantine centres by the government, the future of Eastern Nagaland has been put in a very dark, stake and dangerous position,” ENSF statement said.
ENSF has also alleged ‘unjust and unfair’ distribution of fund on district-wise basis pertaining to Covid-19. The federation observed the discrepancies during a tour to all the districts and sub-division headquarters along with the officials from its six federating units. In this regard, the federation has demanded equal and manageable fund to all the Eastern districts at the earliest.
The federation has also demanded the government to issue orders directing all its employees, particularly head of department in the district to report to their respective place of posting within three day. It claimed that many officers have not reported to their place of posting despite an order from the chief secretary.
Meanwhile, ENSF has lauded the dedication and sacrifices of the frontline workers -- district administration, medical department, police, village guards and all volunteers across eastern Nagaland to combat the pandemic despite limited facilities.