Morung Express News
Dimapur | April 4
The Nagaland Police on April 4 woke up to volleys of stinging criticism on social media after a report about an assault on a doctor went viral.
According to social media posts, one doctor was assaulted by the police while returning home from work on the night of April 3 in Dimapur.
How it happened was still unclear as there were no official statements on the incident from the Police or the Health Department.
According to one doctor Dr Nesozol Sezo, SMO of Medziphema PHC, presently based at the District Hospital, Dimapur, on account of the COVID-19 crisis, was assaulted by police personnel in Purana Bazaar. "The incident happened near his house at around 11:30pm. He was returning after completing his shift at the hospital (now a declared COVD-19 hospital)," said the doctor.
He said that the incident was demoralising for the doctors and the entire medical family, especially at a time when Nagaland and the world is in the midst of a health crisis.
He added that some doctors were even warning of ceasing work to express discontent.
While adding that it was yet undecided, the doctor informed that they were deliberating on actions to be taken up.
He said the district administration should issue special passes to medical personnel, while citing that such incidents recurring can become demoralising.
"We have our own service IDs but it cannot be pasted on cars. I think that some police personnel have not been properly sensitised on the exemptions," he said.
Dr Sezo could not be reached for comment.
Police Chief initiates enquiry
Meanwhile the Nagaland Police chief has initiated an enquiry into the incident and assured action against those found guilty. He further apologised on behalf of the department.
“As Head of the Police Department I wish to tender my sincere apologies to Dr NesozolSezo and the medical fraternity for the unfortunate incident involving Dr.Sezo and a few Police personnel last night," read a statement by the Director General of Police, Nagaland T John Longkumer.
“An enquiry is being conducted and action will be taken against those found guilty,” he said in the statement posted on the official Twitter handle of Nagaland Police.
“I appeal to all our Medical brethren for your forbearance and forgiveness,” he added.
Condemnations on page 3
