Red Cross a beacon of hope in Nagaland since 1982, says CM Neiphiu Rio

Urges renewed commitment to compassion and voluntary service during IRCS Nagaland AGM

KOHIMA — Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, who also serves as the vice president of Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS) Nagaland State Branch, on Thursday encouraged members and volunteers to renew their dedication to humanitarian service.

He said this while addressing the 38th annual general meeting (AGM) of the IRCS Nagaland State Branch held at the conference hall of the Red Cross Complex, Kohima.

The chief minister called upon all members to work hand in hand to strengthen the branches, expand humanitarian outreach, and engage more young people in this global movement of compassion.

He added that the youth are the torchbearers of empathy and represent the future of the Red Cross in Nagaland.

Rio said that the Society has made commendable contributions in providing relief to the vulnerable, promoting health and hygiene, conducting blood donation drives, enhancing disaster response and preparedness, and extending humanitarian assistance even to the most remote corners of Nagaland.

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Since its inception in 1982, the Indian Red Cross Society Nagaland State Branch has stood as a beacon of hope, compassion, and voluntary service, he acknowledged.

Dwelling on the theme for World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day 2024, “Keeping Humanity Alive,” Rio said that it is profoundly relevant to present times.

“In a world often beset by natural disasters, conflicts, pandemics, and social challenges, the Red Cross reminds us that humanity remains our greatest strength. It is through acts of kindness, empathy, and voluntary service that we sustain the very essence of being human,” he said.

He added that the theme is not merely a slogan but a call to action — to stand with those in need, comfort those in distress, and serve without discrimination.

The chief minister also paid his respects to late La. Ganesan, the state’s former governor who served as president of IRCS Nagaland State Branch and passed away on August 15, 2025.

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Rio said that under his leadership, the Red Cross family in Nagaland was inspired to uphold its mission with sincerity and dedication.

Challenges in border areas

Sharing his experience, Nyamto Wangsha, honorary secretary of IRCS Mon district, highlighted the harsh realities faced by people living along the Indo-Myanmar border in Mon district.

He said that residents often endure hardships due to the heightened presence of military forces and rebel groups, which increases the risk of conflicts and hostilities.

Wangsha cited a recent incident in Khamoi village near Longwa in Mon district, where casualties were reported following an alleged drone attack by the Indian armed forces.

He informed that the Red Cross team had attempted to reach the spot with first-aid supplies and to evacuate injured victims to Mon Civil Hospital but was restricted by security personnel from entering the international border area.

The team had to send medicines through villagers instead. Only one seriously injured woman was brought back to Longwa on foot—a journey that took nearly four hours—from where the Red Cross team transported her to Mon Civil Hospital.

According to Wangsha, two persons, including a minor and a youth, died on the spot, while two others—a senior citizen and a Class 2 student—are currently admitted to the same hospital.

He said that such incidents disrupt daily life and create fear among border residents, posing threats to innocent civilians and hampering development.

The affected families are often forced to rely on financial aid, relief materials, and emotional support.

“As a society, it is our duty to address such incidents,” Wangsha said, calling for collective efforts to create a world where everyone has access to dignity, respect, and opportunity.

Meanwhile, Albert, chairman of IRCS Peren district, stressed the urgent need to motivate young people to become regular blood donors and to dispel misconceptions about blood donation.

He also stressed the need for greater coordination with local authorities, NGOs, and churches to make Red Cross activities more effective.

General Secretary Akhale V Khamo presented the IRCS Nagaland report, while the chief minister released the 2024–2025 annual report.

In a separate gesture, P Paiwang Konyak, chairman of IRCS Nagaland, donated a hearse to the Society in memory of his late father.