18,282 register for return to Nagaland

Stranded citizens from Nagaland waiting to board their buses which would take them to various home districts at DC Court Indoor Stadium on May 7. A total of 18,282 citizens of Nagaland stranded in other parts of the country have registered to return to the state through Government arranged transportation as of 12 noon on May 11. (Morung File Photo: For representative purposes only)

Kohima, May 11 (MExN): A total of 18,282 citizens of Nagaland stranded in other parts of the country have registered to return to the state through Government arranged transportation as of 12 noon on May 11.

The applications were received through the returnees’ declaration form in the website iamstranded.nagaland.gov.in. Applications for the same have now been closed. 

In this regard, Principal Secretary, Home, Abhijit Sinha informed that Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio today apprised Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the modalities being put in place to bring citizens back to the state.

Taking part in a video conference with PM Modi and Chief Ministers of other states, Rio asserted on the need bring back stranded citizens in an orderly manner and requested that only movement of Special Trains be allowed, Sinha stated. The Chief Minister is said to have suggested that resumption of regular passenger train and air services be put on hold for some more time.

The Chief Minister also briefed the PM about the steps taken by the State for implementation of the lockdown, the measures taken to alleviate distress among people of Nagaland stranded outside as well as migrant workers inside the State, and the ongoing inter-district movement of stranded people within the state. The Chief Minister was accompanied by the Deputy Chief Minister, Minister for Planning and Coordination, Chief Secretary and senior officials of the State.

The Principal Secretary meanwhile informed that the Chief Minister also had a meeting with the representatives of Nagaland Baptist Church Council, Kohima Church organisations and Angami organisations at Kohima today.

Rio is said to have emphasized on the need for taking comprehensive measures to become self reliant particularly in food grains and other food items.

Among other things, the meeting revolved around the COVID-19 situation, return of stranded citizens, as well as matters relating to burial of COVID-19 positive patients in village or church burial grounds without any discrimination, according to the Principal Secretary.