Akavi N Zhimomi
President, Nagaland State Board
International Human Rights Council
We live in unprecedented times and thus we must act in a similar manner. The Nagaland State Board of the International Human Rights Council on its humble part has been trying to help out the administration whenever we can no matter how insignificant its role maybe compared to the mammoth task undertaken by the Government. We are especially grateful to the frontline workers led by health experts and caregivers who have been called upon to carry out such an enormous task against an unseen and a ruthless enemy. Our salute also goes out to the police who have the dual difficulty of not only making sure that the law is upheld but these days as never before have to act in a humane way beyond their usual call of acting as law enforcers. In all of this let us also not forget those who are making sure the essential needs of the people are met, be it transporters, shopkeepers, delivery boys and members of the media. These people are as essential in the collective fight against this new and dangerous virus that has attacked the world so suddenly. Above all we pray that our leaders become exactly that and unlike before, act with the selflessness asked of them and that their decisions are based solely on science and no other motive. Understanding that the society and the Government act together in a manner which has never been done before, we as a Human Rights organisation nevertheless would request everyone to uphold the core tenets of Human Rights while carrying out the tasks allowed to everyone be it the individual, the society or the Government.
As an organisation dedicated to upholding human rights under all circumstances it thus is our duty to point out where we all as a collective whole need to improve and be very aware that the fundamental rights of a human is not being violated in these unique times.
1. We request the Government as they have tried to be so far to be transparent in all their dealings and interactions. We call upon the leadership of this State led by the Chief Minister, the administration led by the Chief Secretary and all the leaders of Civil society from Statewide organisations to locality and village bodies to be more transparent and put out precise information and guidelines as much as possible. In doing so everyone concerned must use all media platforms including Social media at their disposal.
2. There are many cancer patients who are undergoing Chemo courses from different hospitals in Guwahati. There are also medicines which are not available in Dimapur. Due to the lockdown, these patients have become completely helpless. There are also cases of heart patients who have pacemakers fitted. The government should keep an ambulance at standby for any emergencies and also ensure that the patients don't face problem to get their medicines.
3. There are thousands of college and school children from other districts who are stranded in Dimapur and in Kohima District. Due to short notice of lockdown, and all public transport vehicles got suspended across the State .
They are facing difficulties to buy rice and vegetables for survival. The Govt should provide rice and other necessary essentials under special case even if they don't have a BPL card.
4. The stranded people at Railway Station should be provided food and shelter. There are also cases of people who are stranded at hotels and have run out of money. The Government should identify those through helpline numbers and ensure their safety. Because the stranded people trapped in this situation are not by choice but by situation . The homeless people should be provided food and necessary arrangements made for accommodation because they're the most vulnerable and prone to this deadly disease.
5. Some families are fully dependent on daily wage this includes around thousands Auto Driver’s and in this situation they may not be able to even buy food. The government should atleast make basic arrangements especially for them. For this, the village authorities or police may make announcement through PA (Public Announcement ) system and provide necessary item.
6. Village guards and volunteers should also follow the precautions and standard operating measures while doing service. Because nobody is spared in this juncture. The volunteers manning the colony/village gates should practice social distancing and ensure that citizens are not harassed.
7. There is a scarcity of Personal Protective Equipments(PPEs) for the medical personnel. We appeal to the state government to make it available to be distributed to all the District Hospitals for all the medical personnels who are at the frontline battling this deadly disease. While not forgetting to order extra materials in case of shortage.
8. The state government should make an urgency of setting up COVID19 testing centre in Nagaland.
9. There is shortage of masks in the market. The Govt can make use of those people who were trained under various Tailoring projects of skill development by giving them certain allowances and materials, an alternative way to distribute it freely to all the blocks and villages.
10. The idea of deduction of one day salary from the government employees whichever department it maybe should be dropped. Instead, the traffic, police and medical personnel should be given additional special allowances during this period.
11. Many medical personnel of Private hospitals don't have proper equipments to combat Covid19. We appeal to the State government to take urgent note of this issue and address the problems faced by private hospitals.
12. There should be a separate timing for the grocery shops to collect ration from distributors or wholesaler (i.e between 2PM-4 PM). If needed the Area GB & Council should co-operate to make it in the time of survival.
13. Helpline number by village or area authorities should be given so that no one may die out of starvation in lockdown.
14. The public should extend help to anyone in need particularly your next door if they need food and medicine or should inform authorities for help.
15. There should be common helpline number for instances 911 or 181.
16. The District Administration along with Municipal Council should fumigate the streets and public places at large scale at regular intervals.
We all need to know that this is not the time to blame game but to be sensitive and remain safe. And also help other’s to survive in this pandemic state. The International Human Rights Council as an organisation requests each and every citizen of Nagaland to care for each other and act selflessly towards fellow human beings. To show solidarity with everyone from institutions to individuals as we have never done before so that we come out of this unique time in history as a more mature and healthy State.
