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The abrupt nationwide lockdown imposed by the government of India to contain the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) transmission caught the citizens off guard. It led to chaos and commotion especially among the migrant workers and students. In Nagaland, the complete lockdown exposed the true colour of the state- its fragile economy and over-dependence on other states even for basic commodities. It disrupted the flow of goods into the state though movement of essential commodities was exempted. And if that was not enough, some traders in Dimapur, the commercial hub of the state, had alleged that they faced discrimination while procuring essential goods when the restriction was relaxed, with whole sellers claiming that there was no stock. The unprecedented development forced the Business Association of Nagas (BAN) to intervene to ensure equitable distribution during the trying times. The dust did settle down eventually but not before exposing the true nature of the market- the existence of trade monopoly in the city, which is not a good sign and should be done away with. The people of the state should learn a lesson from this episode. This stopgap arrangement should be replaced by a free and fair trade where no individual or group of people enjoy exclusive control of supply. If this issue is not addressed, the public will continue face such erratic market behaviour from time to time.
The lockdown also exposed the hollowness of the state’s economy. It is now obvious that the state is dependent on other states for almost all essential commodities, from onions to fruits to goods grains. A few days of disruption in transportation caused panic among the people, especially those living in towns like Kohima and Dimapur. The fear became very real because people will literally starve if supply of goods coming from outside the state is cut. There is no scarcity of commodities at the moment, thanks to timely intervention of the state government machineries in stopping price hike and hoarding, and government schemes like Pradhan Mantri Garib Anna Yojana (PMGKAY). The marginalised sections of the society like daily wage earners and stranded people, including students too have been receiving help from various quarters at the moment. It is also heart-warming to see people coming forward to help each other during this crisis. The people of Phek district deserve special mention for supplying free vegetables to neighbouring villages, frontline workers and residents of Kohima town. Such humanitarian gesture can define human relationships besides spreading love.
However, we should also know the fact that nobody, including the Centre and state governments can help us forever. It is crystal clear that it will take time for the economy and life in general to limp back to normalcy. If situation doesn’t improve in the next few months, several issues like food crisis may follow and life in remote villages may become more secure than in cities. This crisis should be a wakeup call for everyone to earnestly work towards a sustainable economy. We should strive for self-sustenance as a state and as individuals; reduce dependency on other states, conserve nature and revive farming in a big way. Nobody will help us if we don’t help ourselves.