Welcome stranded people home, Rio says in his address to Nagaland citizens

“There was management gap and some miscommunications among the various functionaries, of which the government regrets”

Eastern Mirror Desk
Dimapur, May 29 (EMN): Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio addressed the citizens of Nagaland on Friday, May 28 as the inevitability of the pandemic has touched the Naga soil, with positive cases emerging in the state.

In his address, he welcomed the returnees who were stranded in different parts of the country, many of whom have “undergone challenging times and have had difficult experiences in the mainland; many have lost their jobs while students are uncertain about their academic year,” he said.

He urged the people to welcome them with “open arms and extend our love and concern so that their sufferings and trauma is eased to some extent.”

“We have been preparing to deal with the pandemic over the last few weeks and in spite of our limitations we are better prepared than yesterday,” he said.

However, Rio shared that with the large numbers of returnees coming back home, and detection of positive cases, “there was a management gap and some miscommunications among the various functionaries, of which the government regrets.”

He informed that a BSL testing lab would be set up at Tuensang district, and TrueNat testing facilities in all the districts would enhance our testing capacity.

The chief minister also appealed not to panic but rather strengthen our resolve to fight together. He urged the citizens to respect the privacy of the patients and their families, to not stigmatise the disease and any person who is infected by it.

“We need to extend our support and concern to each Covid-19 patient so that we can lessen their suffering and lighten their burden,” he shared.

Rio also requested the returnees to adhere to the advisories, guidelines and “make every possible effort to contain the virus at each individual level.

“It is now absolutely crucial that we follow best practices, break the myths about the disease and maintain the basic guidelines of hygiene and social distancing,” he said.

Further, Rio shared that the entire country is faced with economic challenges, and thousands of people are returning home having lost their jobs; “we are also challenged to provide gainful employment in some manner,” he said.

A strategic committee on economic affairs has been instituted, he said, which will be followed by activation of working groups along with experts and non-governmental players to formulate strategies and roadmaps to move towards sustainable and a self-reliant economy.

“Very soon we will come up with strategies, steps and targeted dates of implementation of these policies,” he informed.

Rio appreciated and thanked the frontline workers and all other sections who are working overtime to combat this pandemic.

He also commended the civil society, NGOs, church organisations and individuals that have come forward to help the people and support the government machineries during these trying times.

Video of CM Neiphiu Rio addressing the citizens of Nagaland