Take punitive action against erring officials, YAA to Nagaland govt.

Dimapur, June 1 (EMN): The Yimchungrü Akherü Arihako (YAA) has stated that it has been extending all possible support and co-operation to various government agencies in the combat against the Covid-19 pandemic so far, in view of the extraordinary situation caused by the ongoing health crisis affecting the global community, but the May 26 Tuensang incident has “demoralised and raised one’s eyebrows”.

The student body, in a press release issued on Monday, called for a radical approach to mitigate the situation from further escalation.

“To this end, YAA is hopeful that the state government will initiate stringent punitive against those erring officers without any delay and that corrective measure(s) are initiated so that there is no ambiguity amongst the controlling officers/subordinates and to thwart the recurrence of similar incidence in the state,” the statement read.

While acknowledging the efforts of all the Eastern Nagaland Legislature Union (ENLU) during these unprecedented and trying times, YAA reminded ENLU legislators of their bigger role and responsibilities considering the poor health amenities and other related challenges back at home. This calls for a unified house irrespective of the political party affiliation or otherwise, and that the hues and cries of our people are heard at this crucial situation, it said.

‘It is worrisome that many health centres in Yimchungrü jurisdiction exist without any proper health amenities and health workers. Therefore, it should be the prerogative of the state to ensure that all health centres including the village sub-centres, HWC/PHC/CHC are functional with requisite staff and medicine especially during this endemic period,’ the press release stated, adding “This would ease the burden of the people living in rural areas for medical attention at home who otherwise, have to take redundant risks of contacting other contagious infections treating in towns/cities besides incurring additional monetary losses.”

The association stated that Nagaland state’s level of preparedness — availability of PPE, testing kit and other related equipment — across the state in the combat against Covid-19 is a matter of great concern after “making tall claims” that the state is prepared for any eventuality.

With cases rising exponentially, the state government is expected to gear-up and equip health sectors and other related agencies to contain the spread of Covid-19 lest the situation will be blown out of proportion, it stated.

For students in rural areas

The YAA went on to say that as guardian of the student community, it is deeply concerned regarding their welfare and academic career due to nationwide lockdown.

“It is notable that the DoSE has come up with online classes in reaching out to the students. However, there are instances wherein, online classes are not viable owing to limited access to technology especially in far-flung remote areas and therefore, called upon the teaching community to devise a viable means to ensure that the students are not deprived off from learning in such areas,” it said.

For frontline workers and public

The association lauded the commitment and sacrifices of the frontline workers and various organisations that have been helping fight against the common enemy despite many difficulties. It added that the present situation calls for our ‘behavioural and social shift’ to win the battle. 

The YAA also called upon all its constituent units and village authorities to render all possible assistance should any eventuality arises and be on guard rather than relying solely on government. It also solicits its constituent units to dispel apprehensions, myths and rumours about Covid-19 doing the rounds especially in villages, and to create awareness on various advisories and guidelines such as social distancing, personal hygiene and other etiquettes.

Furthermore, village authorities are requested to ensure that all government notifications and orders are enforced for the wellbeing of all, it added.