ADG SR Saravanam, speaking at the Home Guards Civil Defence & SDRF 58th Raising Day programme in Kohima on December 6. (DIPR Photo)
Kohima, December 6 (MExN): The Nagaland Home Guards: Civil Defence and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) observed its 58th Raising Day on December 6 at its headquarters in Kohima.
The annual Raising Day Celebrations was marked by a short formal programme unlike previous years because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, a DIPR report stated.
The formal programme was chaired by Isaac Semy, Staff Officer (Hq) while Medozhalie Pienyu, DCG gave the introductory address wherein he mentioned in short about the history and formation of the Home Guards Department in the State and how it had evolved over the years.
Pienyu highlighted the various activities of the Department and the vital role it plays in aiding the State Police in maintaining law and order and protection of important institutions. He further acknowledged the sacrifice and hard work of the SDRF personnel who he said, continue to be one of the most dedicated and hardworking frontline workers, in the fight against COVID-19.
He also paid tribute to the lone SDRF personnel who succumbed to COVID-19 complications while in the line of duty and said that every Naga is indebted to him for his ultimate sacrifice. He concluded by acknowledging the selfless service of the Home Guards to the State and the Nation as a whole.
SR Saravanam, ADG commended the department for the excellent work it has been doing in aiding the state police in maintaining law and order as well as regulating traffic and most importantly as first responders during times of calamities and disasters, be it natural or manmade.
He admitted that it has been a tough year for the personnel but was happy that the SDRF had risen to the occasion and had done an excellent job and have performed much better than other States. He further urged them to work together cohesively as a team and reminded of their big responsibility to look after the safety and well being of the citizens, the DIPR report stated.
He encouraged the department to keep working and keep evolving, learn from past mistakes and failures and to be more active on social media platforms to create awareness among the citizens.
The programme also witnessed a demonstration on different rescue techniques during emergencies by SDRF personnel.
The Civil Defence in Nagaland preceded the Home Guards Organization. The Nagaland Home Guards Organization was formally established on March 1, 1988 by an Ordinance of 1987 under the Home Department with the then Home Commissioner as ex-Officio Commandant General. A Deputy Commandant General headed the organisation at the HQ level and the arrangement continued till October 1991 when a regular officer was posted from the IPS with S Akang Jamir, IPS, as the first Director General and Late Sitlhou, IPS as the first Commandant General, according to the DIPR.
The Nagaland Home Guards Acts of 1988 was passed by the State Legislature on May 12, 1988 and both the Civil Defence and Home Guards organisations complement each other and co-exist under a common Head of Office.
While Civil Defence deals with incidences arising out of external aggression to the country in general, the Home Guards deal with incidences arising out of internal security, natural calamities like landslides, earthquake, fire etc, strikes, communal disharmony, socio-economic and welfare activities, the DIPR report stated.
Dimapur: In Dimapur, the celebrations were held at the District Commandant Office, on December 6 with District Commandant Y Khenito Chishi, highlighting when and how the organisation was formed in the country and the role played by the organization as well as its contributions during the pandemic, a DIPR report stated.
To mark the day, a demonstration on sliding stretcher from ladder, emergency method of rescue and donning and doffing of PPE kits were displayed by SDRF personnel.
The programme was chaired by, Company Commander, Lichemse Sangtam. Other highlights of the day included invocation prayer by Hav Angukato, reading of VIP messages by Hav Lipoksashi, special song by L Naik Chuwachu and presentation of DG Commendation Certificate to six staff and personnel which was followed by a feast, the DIPR report stated.
