Labourers walking home amid total lockdown in Nagaland’s State capital Kohima on June 9. (Morung Photo by Chizokho Vero)
• DTFs to issue localised orders
• Train stoppage remains suspended
Morung Express News
Dimapur | June 9
The ongoing lockdown in Nagaland has been extended for seven more days till June 18 but held out hope of some localised relaxation in areas where the pandemic situation is under control. District Task Forces have been given greater autonomy to take decisions on matters like opening and closing of businesses and restrictions on movement, based on the local situations.
The announcement came after the state’s High Power Committee under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio met on June 9 in Kohima to take a final call on the extension of COVID-induced lockdown.
Subsequently, Nagaland Chief Secretary J Alam, who is also Chairperson of the State Executive Committee, issued an order stating that the existing lockdown measures would remain in force in the State with the additional relaxations/directives from June 12 to June 18. “After taking into considerations the views of the Health & Family Welfare Department and the various District Task Forces, the State Government is satisfied that the lockdown measures be continued for some more time,” the order stated.
It also said that the situation in the State has been reviewed and while there is a declining trend in the number of daily COVID-19 positive cases, “the number of active COVID-19 positive cases in the State is still a matter of concern.” Further, the spread of COVID-19 cases in rural and pen-urban areas are being continuously monitored, it added.
Additional relaxations
As per the Chief Secretary’s order, the practice of 'No Mask - No Movement' and 'No Mask - No Entry' would be strictly enforced by the respective District Task Forces (DTFs) and law enforcing agencies.
While the order permitted shops and business establishments to open between 6:00 am to 2:00 pm, respective DTFs were entrusted to take the final decision on the timings “as per the local conditions.”
“Shops selling stationeries, mobile phones and computer accessories, garages for automobile repairing and shops selling vehicle spare parts shall be allowed to open on alternate days as determined by the respective DTFs,” the order stated.
It further stated that regular religious services and gatherings would continue to be suspended. However, prayer meetings and fellowships may be allowed in religious places with not more than 20 persons with strict adherence to COVID-19 appropriate behaviour.
It allowed administrative offices of Schools/Colleges to form a core group of officers/staff who would be permitted to attend to urgent and essential matters. However, private business offices would require prior permission of the respective District Task Forces to do the same.
It also stated that the stoppage of trains at Dimapur railway station would remain suspended and that labourers from outside the state would not be allowed to enter without negative COVID test reports, and other provisions as stated under the ‘Revised SOP for returnees and travellers’ issued on April 29.
New construction works may be permitted after examination by the respective DTFs, it added.
As per the order, Common Service Centres (CSCs) across the State shall be permitted to open as per the requirements of the respective District Task Forces for IT support during COVID-19 vaccination.
In terms of public transportation, it stated Light Motor vehicles including taxis, auto rickshaws, etc., would be allowed to ply on Odd-Even basis. However, DTFs may consider imposing restrictions depending on the prevailing situations to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the order stated. It also stipulated that drivers of the taxis, auto rickshaws would require negative COVID-19 test reports for resumption of services.
Buses, two-wheeler taxi service and pillion riding would remain suspended, the order stated.
