Keep your spirits up and continue to fight this battle, Rio tells Nagaland citizens

Dimapur, April 11 (EMN): Amid the Covid-19 pandemic that has killed thousands of people across the world, Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Saturday addressed the citizens of the state via a video message and urged the people to put up a united front in fighting the dreaded disease.

Nagaland has not reported a single Covid-19 case so far though the disease has affected its neighbouring states, including Assam where one person had died of coronavirus infection.

“My dear fellow citizens, as we and the rest of the world battle another day of uncertainty and anxiety because of the unprecedented Covid-19 pandemic, we must put up a united front to fight this common enemy,” Rio said, and extended “sincere appreciation and thanks to the tireless efforts of the frontline workers, the government officials, various organisations, village councils and the media fraternity and all stakeholders”.

“Each of you are doing an exemplary job and I implore you to keep your spirits up and continue to fight this battle. I am aware that emotions are high and there is a great sense of unease everywhere. In such a situation, misinformation can take hold. I request each one of you to stay informed through the official notifications and orders, and to disseminate this verified information to all fellow citizens,” he said.

Rio also asked the people to thank God for protecting the people of the state from the deadly virus.

“As we observe the commemoration of Christ’s triumph over death, this Easter Sunday, with a message of renewed hope and love, let us thank and praise God for sparing our people thus far from this dreaded Covid-19 pestilence. Let us also rededicate, recommit, and reprioritise our lives to God. Be sensitised, sanitised, stay home and stay safe,” he concluded.

Virtual meeting with PM

The Chief Minister of Nagaland also attended the meeting called by Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the chief ministers of all Indian states via video conferencing on Saturday to review the Covid-19 situation as well as seek views on whether or not the nationwide lockdown should be extended.

An update from Principal Secretary, Home, informed that Rio was accompanied by the deputy chief minister, minister for Health and Family Welfare, the chief secretary of Nagaland, and other senior officers during the meeting.

While briefing about the Covod-19 preparedness at the meeting, the chief minister “requested for considering extension of the lockdown for some more time”.

‘The prime minister urged everyone to maintain utmost vigil as the coming three to four weeks were very crucial in the fight against Covid-19 and conveyed that the Government of India will consider the requests made for lockdown extension and give necessary guidance in this regard soon,’ the update read.

Rio also conducted a meeting with all the Districts Task Force led by the deputy commissioners through video conferencing and “complemented the efforts being made by all the concerned district officers for enhancing the preparedness level in the fight against covid-19”.

“The Hon’ble Chief Minister said that the vulnerable people facing difficulties during the lockdown should be taken care of. He asked everyone to remain vigilant, and in case of problem being faced on any matter to immediately bring to the notice of the Chief Secretary and other officers for redressal,” the statement read.