DIMAPUR, MAY 14 (MExN): Naga Students’ Unions from across the country have made an appeal for the evacuation of stranded “vulnerable Nagas” without further delay.
The student unions came together to form an ‘All Cities COVID-19 Task Force for Nagaland.’ The force was formed after a video conference between the NSU presidents on May 12.
The task force today issued a letter to the Nagaland Chief Minister asking the State Government to address several issues regarding the well being of stranded Naga people in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.
It called for a concrete decision in regard to the “special train arrangement,” and early communication of the details regarding this. It said that there is lack of communication between the government and the student/church leaders working on the frontlines.
The task force also asked the government to consult the Naga Students’ Union of different States with regards to the government policy towards stranded Nagas.
Another issue of concern was the unreliability of the State’s COVID-19 helpline. The force questioned whether the helpline is working 24x7 as “many a time the helpline numbers are not responding.”
The student leaders then asked the government to provide updates on the quarantine preparation. “What are the facilities provided, how many days of quarantine is required, will it be district wise or everyone will be quarantined in Dimapur after reaching Dimapur Railway Station?” they questioned.
Besides this, another appeal was to prioritize the CM’s Special Financial Package process as many stranded students “have not received the amount.” It was informed that student unions are being bombarded with calls regarding this issue.
It meanwhile appealed for reworking of the Rs 10,000 one-time assistance for those who choose to stay back in their current locations.
The task force informed not all stranded are planning to return. Those coming back are genuinely affected, it informed, stating that the majority are from poor backgrounds who came out to earn for their family and parents at home. Most of them include people working in shopping malls, salons, restaurants, hotels, as security guards, hospitality companies and other unorganized sectors and have lost their jobs or are not receiving any salary, it informed.
The government was also informed that large groups of students are now “vulnerable” as most of their hostels, PGs, and paying guests have been closed and most of them who are staying with their friends in rented rooms are facing hardships.
Besides this, large groups of stranded medical patients need immediate evacuation to their homes in Nagaland.
The task force demanded that there should be no more delay tactics, stating that these hardships are being compounded by increasing cases of racial discrimination.
“There is still no strong voice against all these from our government or even the NGOs who today are requesting us to stay back,” the force stated.
It suggested that the evacuation be done via the nearest train station and that those stranded people in places without access to such train stations may be transported to the nearest one and sent home by “special trains”.
It also called for strict action against those who spread rumours and fake news, as there are already social media posts stigmatising stranded people planning to come home.
The task force further noted that student bodies have been doing jobs which should be performed by the State Government. It therefore said that failure to acknowledge or hear their grievances “will lead to bigger problems among the people and the government should be held accountable for it.”
It meanwhile welcomed financial help and constructive suggestions whether they are from political organisations, NGOs, church members or civil societies. It asked all stakeholders to play an important role and be rational instead of confusing and creating panic in people’s minds.
“We should all co-operate and work together to curb this deadly virus/epidemic. Spare the politics and differences for later as it is a time to work together,” it appealed.
