DIMAPUR, MAY 3 (MExN): The Naga Christian Fellowship (NCF) Forum and the North East Christian Fellowship (NECF) pastors under Nagaland Missions Movement (NMM) has asked the Government of Nagaland to arrange for transportation of stranded vulnerable Nagas in various cities of the country at the earliest.
A press release informed that the two organizations held a video conference on May 2 and resolved to submit a memorandum in acknowledging the efforts taken up by the Government of Nagaland to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.
“There are many Nagas who are in difficult situation and are vulnerable due to COVID-19 nationwide lockdown. The majority of the Nagas working outside are employed in unorganized sectors and are now left without salary or have lost their job. Many students are not allowed to stay in their hostels or paying guests, because of which they are now taking shelter with their friends, and some of them are asked to vacate by house owner,” the organizations pointed out.
They added that many stranded Nagas are facing problems with regards to financial difficulties, food scarcity, accommodation, and payment of rent, psychological and mental stress.
“Some are surviving somehow in shelter homes. It is very disheartening for us to have come across our own people who have been surviving with just tea and biscuits; some who have nothing more to cook. There are also many Naga patients with their family members stranded in the cities with very little resources and wanting to go home,” they added.
It was further pointed out that Nagas/ Northeast people are more prone to racial discrimination.
The NCF pastors and the Naga Students’ Union leaders in various cities have been bombarded with numerous frantic calls from stranded Nagas. With the MHA announcement of allowing the State Governments to bring their people back home, the organizations informed that they have been receiving more phone calls from distressed Nagas inquiring about the transportation to go back home.
They therefore urged the Government of Nagaland to arrange transportation at the earliest time possible for those “vulnerable Nagas” stranded outside of Nagaland and provide them all the necessary medical facilities on their arrival in Nagaland.
