Nagaland Govt to bring back citizens who are stranded

Kohima, 9th May 2020

Press Communiqué

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 caution the Government in dealing with it.

The party foresees a potentially disastrous situation if the process is conducted in a haphazard manner. The Government should be cautious enough while differentiating stranded people returning to Nagaland.

The NPF call 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 urges 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.

This may lead to population explosion as well as the thread of spreading the dreaded pandemic in our state.

Therefore, the best remedy will 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.

The party also time and again 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.

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.

Only if we act collectively and responsibly can we defeat this pandemic.

Issued by
Press Bureau
Naga People's Front,
Central Headquarters,
Kohima: Nagaland .