Kohima, May 9 (MExN): The Naga People’s Front, while welcoming the decision of the Government to bring back citizens of Nagaland who are stranded in different parts of the country due to COVID-19 lockdown, has caution the Government of a “potentially disastrous situation if the process is conducted in a haphazard manner.”
In a press release on May 9, the NPF called upon the Government of Nagaland to “exercise utmost caution as influx of illegal immigrants and new migrants is a distinct possibility; especially considering that Nagaland is categorized under ‘Green Zone’ and opportunists may seek to take advantage.”
The Government should be cautious enough while differentiating stranded people returning to Nagaland, it stated.
The NPF urged for stringent and detailed verification of documents before entry into the state, “Particularly in the case non-Naga indigenous persons because there is high possibility that many illegal immigrants, under the guise of residing in Nagaland may claim their right to return without proper and valid documents.” This may lead to population explosion as well as the threat of spreading the dreaded pandemic in our state, it said.
The ‘best remedy’, the NPF said, would be “renewal of expired Inner Line Permit to non-indigenous people who are stranded outside the State and desire to re-enter the state should not be entertained till such time as the whole of India is considered a ‘Green Zone’ or a similar solution is arrived at.”
The whole process of screening and isolating each new entrant into the state, quarantine and testing of suspected persons, etc. must not be compromised at any cost, the Party reiterated.
Further, the NPF drew attention to the price rise of essential commodities stating that the common people are suffering not only due to the COVID-19 but for their daily survival. “So, instead of paying more attention to the generation of revenue, the Government priority should be for the welfare of its people,” it added.
Meanwhile, with the relaxation on certain exemptions on the public movement and activities, the NPF urged citizens to continue complying and adhering to the guidelines issued by the WHO with forbearance with regards to social distancing. “Only if we act collectively and responsibly can we defeat this pandemic,” it concluded.
