Deputy CM, Y Patton handing over ex-gratia to a relative of a police personnel who died on active duty from COVID during Police Commemoration Day at New Police Reserve Phesama on October 21. (Morung Photo)
Ex-gratia to cops who succumbed to COVID in the line of duty
Our Correspondent
Kohima | October 21
The Nagaland state government today handed out ex-gratia of Rs. 10 lakh each to the kin of six Nagaland Police personnel, out of 14, who succumbed to COVID-19 in the line of duty.
It was handed away by Deputy Chief Minister, Y Patton during the Police Commemoration Day Parade at New Police Reserve Phesama, Kohima. The Dy CM assured of releasing the ex-gratia to the 8 others at the earliest.
The 14 deceased police frontline workers included: ABSI S Adem Pongen- 12th NAP (IR), ASI Bangong Yanlem- FSL Dimapur, Hav Lipokmar Ao- 4th NAP, Hav Rivitoli- 15th NAP (Mahila IR), Hav Jabilong Zeliang- 1st NAP, THC Seiduo Kuki- CP Dimapur, Nk Purnungba Ao- Legal Cell PHQ, Cn Vizo Angami- 4th NAP, ABC Kuosierho Nyuthe- DEF Phek, CN Jiten Singha- 8th NAP, Cn (Driver) M Loyem Chang- DEF Kohima, RC Cn Merenmemba Aier- 14th NAP (IR), CN (Driver) Santosh Kumar Patra- MT PHQ and Cn Dilip Malakar- 14th NAP (IR).
Acknowledging the contribution of the police in the fight against COVID, Patton said that the Nagaland Police, alongwith the health workers, have been at the forefront of the government effort to control spread of COVID-19 in Nagaland. “When state ran out of quarantine centers in the wake of repatriated Nagas from mainland India, Nagaland Police provided much needed facilities and managed the same with great success,” he said.
During the pandemic, he said that the Nagaland Police stepped beyond the conventional “Law and Order” approach and took on the role of public health messengers and service providers, performing citizen centric policing.
He went on to claim that the present government has always stood by its police force. “It has been prerogative of this government to ensure that privileges and welfare of police men and women of the State and in this light Government has declared Ex-Gratia of Rs 10 Lakh each for every Policeman and Policewoman who lost their lives due to COVID-19 while on active duty during the pandemic.”
While maintaining that monetary relief cannot compensate lives lost, he added that it is an expression of gratitude on behalf of the citizens.
Patton further noted the recent catch of smuggled gold worth over Rs 22cr, largest in the state’s history, at the Khuzama Inter-state Check-post. “Their exemplary sincerity, honesty and dedication exhibited in discharge of duties are commendable and deserve all praises,” he said, adding that the government is working towards awarding the personnel.
On the occasion of Police Commemoration Day, Patton called upon all policemen and women to emulate the ideals of “our fallen heroes to ensure prevalence of peace, tranquility and progress in our society and also urged all personnel of Nagaland Police to continue upholding its motto ‘Security, Service and Sacrifice.”
DGP T John Longkumer, while paying his respect to the personnel, said that the ex-gratia to the police will be remembered. He said, “They have not only maintained law and order, enforced COVID SOPs, maintained supply chains of essential commodities and medicines but also made Community Oriented Police Service (COPS) a reality in Nagaland.”
“Let us renew our pledge to serve our people, to secure and maintain the integrity of our nation and make the sacrifice when needed,” he added.
