Kohima, July 16 (MExN): The Kohima District Task Force (DTF) under Minister in-charge, Tongpang Ozukum, PWD (Housing & Mechanical) kick started a district review cum sensitization programme on COVID-19 at Sechü-Zubza, Kohima on July 16.
“The government cannot make you take the vaccine by force but it is your responsibility to follow and adhere to the SOPs as laid down by the government and your respective village and colony task force, otherwise defaulters will be dealt with under the Epidemic Disease Act 1897,” the Minister Ozukum while addressing the gathering representing council members and leaders of villages under Western Angami area.
According to a DIPR report, the Minister reminded that the DTF were not travelling with ‘a mission to force the public for taking vaccine,’ but their visitation was as per directive of the Chief Minister of Nagaland to sensitise on testing and vaccination, and to dispel the hearsay and rumours in various media about COVID vaccination.
On behalf of the government, he asked for co-operation of the public with their respective task force and surveillance team and encouraged to come forward for testing at the earliest, if symptoms of Covid appear, for the prevention and well-being of all.
While lauding the service of the task forces and surveillance teams, Ozukum asked them to re-affirm their commitment by remaining vigilant in their dedicated work. He also requested the village council members to re-strengthen and set up task force in every village for prevention and protection from COVID-19.
Ozukum also expressed optimism that the commitment and fight of the Kohima DTF will bear positive result at the earliest and set an example for the other districts, “as Kohima and Angamis are looked upon as the most advanced and progressive tribe in Nagaland.”
Pointing out that the State Government has empowered DTF to take action under Epidemic Diseases Act 1897 and other relevant section, Deputy Commissioner Kohima, Gregory Thejawelie, NCS informed that DTF may have to act as per the district micro plan and implement such action if necessary in future. In order to avoid serious complication, DC urged upon the village leaders to spread the message and hoped to see changes in testing and vaccination data.
On the updates of COVID-19 status, CMO Kohima, Dr Vezokholu Theyo highlighted the three important tools to stop COVID i.e. appropriate behaviour, testing and vaccination. She said that the present delta virus was aggressive where the whole household and families get infected in a day or two, “which means it was very transmissible and infectious.”
She therefore, stressed on the importance of early testing and self-isolation for early treatment and recovery.
Representative from the public organisation, KT Vilie and Sechü-Zubza Village Council Chairman, Khriengulie also spoke during the programme. An interaction session was conducted during the programme where many doubts raised by the participants were clarified. WAPO President, Kevisekho Chucha delivered the welcome address and vote of thanks was proposed by SDO (c) Sechü-Zubza, Tiayanger Jamir.
The programme was attended by members from Sub-divisional Task Force, Western Angami Public Organisation, Western Angami Women Organization, Villages, Western Angami Youth Organization, Kiruphema General Council and Western Angami Students Union.
