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Y Kiheto Sema, IAS addressing meeting at DC office, Dimapur on April 3. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Dimapur | April 3
A Special Committee constituted by the state government for Dimapur district concerning COVID-19 on Friday finalized a slew of measures during a meeting with district administration, police and civil societies.
The Committee headed by Y. Kikheto Sema, IAS, Agriculture Production Commissioner & Commissioner & Secretary, Agriculture decided that all regular markets in the town would be closed until further notice. However, shops dealing with essential commodities and medical stores in colonies and villages would be allowed to open starting Monday from 9am to 2pm. To enable procurement of essential commodities by the retailers from whole sellers, the Committee decided that the GS Road whole sale shops would be permitted to open from 3-8am starting Monday. This timing could however be rectified as per situation.
It was decided that the respective colonies and villages would decide on the number of such shops to be opened within their jurisdiction. For procurement of commodities from GS Road, the retailers would need written permission from their respective colony council/GBs or the concerned administrative officer.
All essential commodities entering Dimapur district would be disinfected using appropriate measures. It was also decided to enforce strict ban on unnecessary movement of public both within and outside their respective colonies/wards/villages.
Highway would remain closed for all vehicular movement except for those featured in exempted list.
To create wider public awareness on Covid-19, the district administration would prepare a specific format and disseminate to all the administrative blocks and colonies to be announced using public address system.
The police has been entrusted to seek the assistance of CRPF if any need arises. The Special Committee also appealed the civil societies/NGOs for their support and cooperation towards combating the disease.
During the meeting, Kikheto urged the public not to panic as the Committee has verified the stock of essential commodities in the district. “Now is the time to come together and we must all cooperate with each other for our own safety and the safety of others,” he said.
Deputy Commissioner, Dimapur, Anoop Khinchi made a fervent appeal to the public to maintain social distancing as it was the only way to save us from the pandemic. He warned of seizing vehicles and lodging FIR against those venturing out without valid reason. He assured that essential commodities were continually coming in to the state.
IG (Training & Border), Liremo Lotha, who is also a member of the Special Committee said that with sufficient force, the police in Dimapur is all geared up to tackle the current situation and had set up barricades in various locations to prevent unnecessary movement. Liremo appealed the colony and village authorities to curb gathering of youth in groups with sticks/staffs.
Commissioner of Police, Dimapur, Rothihu Tetseo said police force has been deployed in 41 locations in the district and added that 350 policemen are on the job. He expressed concern regarding the misuse of those vehicles with permits ferrying relatives stating that 25 such cases have been found. He warned of action against such misuse.
It was also decided that all voluntary organizations feeding the poor and needy in various localities to be stopped except those quarantined or isolated with the permission of the administration in different locations. This is to maintain strict social distance among the distributors and receivers.
