NPF assures support to PDA government in tackling Covid-19

Our Correspondent

Kohima, March 24 (EMN): Naga Peoples’ Front (NPF) secretary general Achumbemo Kikon on Tuesday assured of co-operation to the state government in the fight against covel coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic; and urged the citizens not to panic.

“We are confident that we will overcome with God on our side; as people who believe in our creator, definitely He will rescue us from this situation,” he told a press conference in Kohima.

Kikon maintained the party had launched campaigns and distributed one lakh copies of leaflets containing awareness messages in ‘all local dialects’.

On the state government’s move to impose Section 144 CrPc in Dimapur, Kikon maintained that “it’s not a bad idea” as the place is “complex with transit, transportations and commercial activities happening”. But it has to be implemented judiciously; it should not be used to harm the people, he said.

Kikon reiterated the party’s earlier demand for the government to set up the sample-testing centre/ facility for novel coronavirus in the state. He stated that the demand was “made as early as March 16” and till date, no updates have been received.

On the problems faced by students outside the state as well as those stranded, Kikon asked the government about the measures being taken for the safety of the people outside, citing reports of racial discrimination. He also said that instead of using Niathu Resort and Nagaland Cricket Stadium as quarantine facilities, the government should use state-owned guesthouses, circuit houses, and tourist lodge first.

Kikon said: “This is something worrisome because the exchequer of the state is running on liability; if such is the idea being mooted out by the PDA government, then we also would like to question the motive behind. What is the motive?”

He said that government facilities must be utilised first and then opt for other facilities if required.