Non-Nagas in Dimapur to submit list of returnees

Empowered Group, Dimapur Convenor, Y. KikhetoSema, IAS addressing  the meeting at Hotel Saramati, Dimapur on April 30. (Morung Photo)

Morung Express News
Dimapur | April 30

Non-Naga communities who are permanent citizens of Dimapur have agreed to submit the list of returnees of its members from outside the state to the Empowered Group Dimapur as required by the latter.

This was decided during a meeting called by the Empowered Group at Hotel Saramati, Dimapur with representatives from district administration, police, medical departments, Marwari Samaj, Bengali Samaj, Jain Samaj, OswalSamaj, Aggarwal Samaj, GorkhaSamaj, Kachari Tribal Council, Punjab Samaj, Kerala Samaj, Bhojpuri Samaj and Muslim Council Dimapur. 

During the meeting, Convenor of Empowered Group, Y Kikheto Sema, IAS, APC and Commissioner & Secretary, Agriculture apprised the gathering that the government was ready with all required infrastructures to accommodate those returnees post lockdown and urged them to submit the list of returnees from their respective communities. 

However, Kikheto told the non-Naga communities that, owing to varying food habits and culture, the non-Naga communities were at liberty to arrange such facilities for their respective communities following protocols. He said the government was ready to bear the cost of accommodation, food and other basic facilities for all returnees irrespective of caste, religion, colour etc. However, the non-Naga communities expressed desire to arrange such facilities for their respective communities. 

It was decided that the government authorities would inspect such facilities for health check up of the returnees.   
As for the journey back home for the returnees, Kikheto said the government is working out on whether to send vehicles from the state or tie up with resident commissioners outside the state or whether the citizens choose to come by themselves. 

Representatives of all the non-Naga communities spoke at the meeting and expressed gratitude at the initiative of the state government and Dimapur district administration. 

Some speakers also expressed concern over hardships faced owing to sealing of Marwaripatti, GS Road and Murgipatti areas. In this regard, the government representatives said that the authorities were gradually relaxing restrictions following protocols for the safety of those in the containment area and others as well. 

Kikheto said the government was preparing on how to welcome and take care of the returnees but added that no parents/relatives/friends would be allowed to meet them upon arrival and appealed for support and cooperation of all communities in the fight against the pandemic. 

Revenue Officer, Dimapur, Mhalo Humtsoe; ADCP (Admn) Tokavi Achumi; and DSO, CMO Dimapur, Dr. Imtiwabong Aier also spoke during the meeting.