Incompetent handling of COVID-19 by PDA Govt ‘proven’: NPF

NPF

NPF

Dimapur, April 21 (MExN): The Naga People’s Front (NPF) on Tuesday hit out at the People’s Democratic Alliance (PDA) Government’s handling of the COVID-19 situation in the State and alleged that “loopholes” are discovered “almost every day” in its action. 


In a release from the NPF Press Bureau, the party also charged the Government of the day of failing to tackle the pandemic effectively even when “sufficient funds are place under their disposal” both from the Central Government as well donations of various individuals and organisations.


“The longer this present government hold on the reigns the more problem it would be for the general public as they have proven themselves their incompetency in many ways to tackle the present pandemic,” it said. 


The NPF pointed out that though the lockdown officially started only on March 24 there was warning bell as early as the first week of March and the government “ought to have geared up all its machineries well ahead of time to face the situation.”

 

Incentives ‘too late too little
It is “absolutely bizarre” that the government is still under “preparation stage and nothing is ready on the ground which should in fact prick their conscience and step down on moral ground,” it said.


On the incentives/ex-gratia for the frontline workers announced by the Government, the NPF argued that the lockdown is nearing almost 30 days now and only on April 20 the Government made the announcement. 
It is “too late too little,” the NPF said.


Had there been any casualty before, what would have been the reaction of the Government? NPF wondered, adding most State governments took the steps  long “before the lockdown or right after the lockdown was announced.”


It further maintained that the amount indicated for the professionals/working person and the students is “too meagre especially for those people who are stranded outside the state.”


The NPF also stated that media plays an important role, particularly at the time of pandemic,  and are considered as frontline workers who risk their lives while dedicating their services.


In this connection, the party said in other states have either announced ex-gratia or incentives to all Government accredited journalists as they are also in the frontline. 


“But this time the state government have not announce any ex-gratia or incentive for media personnel in Nagaland... While performing their duties, the media should also be given a well equipped protective gear,” it added.

 

Flays attack on doctors 
Pointing out the lack of co-ordination amongst the various departments in managing the affairs of the present pandemic, the NPF said the high handedness of the police on duty is surfacing almost every day.


The Dimapur incident of harassing the Doctor on duty by the police and the repetition of  such incident in Wokha is “highly condemnable,” it said,. 


The NPF further alleged that such incidents “clearly indicates lack of coordination within the government and “evidently reflects the incompetency of the Government.”


“With all these incidences coupled with poor PPE Kits the question arises whether the frontline workers especially the medical fraternity would give their best to perform their duties diligently?” it said. 


Further the NPF demanded the Government to “reveal the present status of the gentleman from Dimapur who was tested positive at Guwahati and the steps taken thus far for the safety of the citizens of Nagaland.”