Returnees arrived at Dimapur Railway Station on June 5. (Morung Photo by Soreishim Mahong)
1498 returnees sent to respective home districts
Morung Express News
Dimapur | June 5
The Special Shramik Train from Bengaluru arrived at Dimapur Railway Station at about 1:50 pm with 1498 Nagaland citizens on board on June 5.
Preparations for the arrival of the train began as early as 10:00 am on Friday as medical teams, administration officials and fleets of Nagaland State Transport buses were seen at the Station.
Both the Deputy Commissioner and Commissioner of Police had, on June 4, ordered a lockdown from 5:00 am to midnight to facilitate their movement on arrival.
The returnees were received at the railway station by Dimapur DC Anoop Khinchi, APC and in-charge of Dimapur District for COVID-19, Kikheto Sema, Secretary Food and Civil Supplies, Honje Konyak, Dimapur Commissioner of Police, Rothihu Tetseo, CMO Dimapur, Dr Tiasunep, various NGOs, church leaders, volunteers and officials from various departments.
According to a DIPR report, Rev Moses Murry, Chairman of Christian Forum Dimapur invoked God's blessings upon arrival of the train.
Following the latest Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) issued by the State Government, the 564 Dimapur bound returnees were sent to the Agri Expo facility for screening and registration, after which they were assigned to quarantine centres in the district.
The remaining returnees from 10 districts comprising of 83 people from Tuensang, 211 people from Mon, 60 from Longleng, 56 from Kiphire, 56 from Phek, 165 from Zunheboto, 55 from Mokokchung, 60 from Wokha, 102 from Peren and 86 from Kohima were screened by the Medical Department at the Railway Station, and sent to their respective district after providing food packs, snacks and water.
While it was informed earlier that 1,501 people were set to arrive on June 5 and the Principal Secretary, Home’s daily briefing put the figure at around 1500, the final total head count came to 1498 as per the report submitted by the Liaison officer team through the DC.
The report also stated that 4 returnees (2 from Mon and 2 from Kohima) were retained in Dimapur. However, no details were provided.
Earlier in the day, Dimapur in-charge, Kikheto had informed that Nodal Officers deputed by respective districts will be tasked with taking returnees to their respective districts. He also informed that the meals for the returnees were sponsored by Nagaland Chief Minister and his family.
It was also informed that the Lotha Youth Organization assisted Team Dimapur for smooth management of the protocols upon arrival of the train.
Bus carrying returnees meets with accident
Meanwhile, according to reports, an NST bus carrying Tuensang bound returnees collided with a truck near Sechü Police Station in Zubza near Kohima town. The truck was proceeding towards Dimapur. Sources informed that there were no casualties.
At the time of filing this report, sources informed that another bus had been arranged from Kohima for the returnees to resume their journey.
