COVID-19: Kikheto warns against stigmatization

APC Nagaland Kikheto Sema, overall incharge Dimapur district for COVID-19 along with officials inspecting the reception Center at Agri Expo Dimapur on May 12. (Morung Photo)

Morung Express News
Dimapur | May 12

In-charge of Dimapur for COVID-19, Y. Kikheto Sema, IAS has warned of stern action against any individual or organization discriminating and stigmatizing any person in relation to COVID-19 even after the concerned persons are medically cleared by the health authorities. 

“We will not allow individual or community to use power which is not vested in them,” Kikheto said during separate meetings held with Ao Youth Organization Dimapur and Dimapur Naga Students’ Union in Dimapur on Tuesday. He lauded their efforts in helping the district administration and appealed for their continuous support.

Earlier, Kikheto who is also the APC and Commissioner & Secretary, Agriculture held meeting with administration, police, medical and paramilitary at DC’s Conference Hall. During the meeting, he said that Dimapur has a bigger role to play since the returnees would first be reaching Dimapur. He said, accordingly, the authorities have been working out modalities for receiving the returnees phase wise but the sudden announcement by the Centre to resume train services even before the lockdown period is over is making it difficult.

However, Kikheto said that the authorities would follow the Special Operating Procedures and act in accordance by screening and segregating suspect cases and normal health cases. Reiterating that Dimapur alone comprises of more than 8000 returnees, he appealed all government authorities, public, NGOs and civil societies to support and cooperate with the government by adhering to directives and instructions.

On Tuesday morning, Kikheto along with DC Dimapur, Anoop Khinchi and Commissioner of Police, Dimapur, Rothihu Tetseo visited NER Agri Expo 4th Mile where arrangements for Observation Centre are ongoing. 

More schools and colleges 
allow to use hostel facilities 
Meanwhile, following up on May 11 meeting held with the representatives of the Dimapur units of All Nagaland Private Schools’ Association (ANPSA) and All Nagaland Private Colleges’ Association (ANPCA), the Empowered Group Convenor, Honje Konyak, Secretary, (F&CS) along with his team and district administration visited all private schools and colleges in Dimapur on May 12. 

Responding to the appeal made by the District authorities to accommodate some of the returnees in their hostels, Honje informed that several private schools and colleges have come forward offering to use their hostel facilities for the returnees. He also said that around 1000 persons can be accommodated in the hostels listed till date. The Empowered Group acknowledged the ANPSA and ANPCA for their and support and also assured to arrange similar kind of facilities for returnees.

A press release from the Private College Association Nagaland (PCAN) agreed to assist the government and appealed all members to cooperate with the state government during this unprecedented situation. 

PCAN informed that it is working with Nagaland University and will be submitting a list of recommendations to ensure continuity of Higher Education in Nagaland. All colleges which are yet to submit their own recommendations may do so by Email at pcannagaland@gmail.com.