Dimapur, May 9: The Naga People’s Front, while welcoming the decision of the Government to bring back citizens of Nagaland who are stranded in different parts of the country due to Covid-19 lockdown, has cautioned the Government in dealing with it.
The NPF said the Government should be cautious enough while differentiating stranded people returning to Nagaland.
The NPF called upon the Government of Nagaland to exercise utmost caution as influx of Illegal Immigrants and new migrants is a distinct possibility; especially considering that Nagaland is categorized under ‘Green Zone’ and opportunists may seek to take advantage.
The NPF urged stringent and detailed verification of documents before entry into the state, particularly in the case non-Naga Indigenous persons because there is high possibility that many illegal immigrants, under the guise of residing in Nagaland may claim their right to return without proper and valid documents, which may lead to population explosion as well as the thread of spreading the dreaded pandemic in our state.
The NPF suggested that the best remedy would be renewal of expired Inner Line Permit to non-indigenous people who are stranded outside the State and desire to re-enter the state should not be entertained till such time as the whole of India is considered a “Green Zone” or a similar solution is arrived at.
The whole process of screening and isolating each new entrant into the state, quarantine and testing of suspected persons, etc. must not be compromised at any cost, it added.
The party also urged upon the Government of the day to pay heed to the price rise of the essential commodities as the common people is suffering not only due to the Covid-19 but for their daily survival. So, instead of paying more attention to the generation of revenue, the Government priority should be for the welfare of its people, it added
As the Government has relaxed certain exemption on the public movement and activities, the NPF exhorted the Naga public to continue complying and adhere to the guidelines issued by the WHO with forbearance with regards to social distancing. Wearing of mask outside when step outside of home should be mandatory and movement must be restricted unless absolutely necessary, it said adding, “only if we act collectively and responsibly can we defeat this pandemic”. (Page News Service)
