Western Sumi Hoho (WSH) has demanded that the state authorities “impose a total lockdown of Dimapur town immediately before the COVID-19 bomb explodes here and wipe out the Naga population.”
WSH through its media cell, has expressed shock at the spectacle of “mad rush and panic buying” in Dimapur on March 30 where thousands of people thronged market places and streets. The Hoho termed the scene as a “sign of stupidity and insanity” at a time when enough guidelines were issued after which public were supposed to be disciplined and act responsibly against spread of coronavirus.
WSH said the present policy of imposing lockdown only for few hours in the early morning and afternoon hours “ has become completely meaningless and futile” since relaxed hours every day result in “mad rush of panic buying” by most people.
WSH said in view of the relaxation on a daily basis by the district administration, the lockdown has “completely lost its meaning.”
Rooting for complete lockdown, WSH said when entire nations and most advanced countries were brought down on their knees by “this dreaded pandemic”, Nagaland with its limited resources and manpower can only fight back when all are equally responsible individually by maintain social distancing and remaining indoors in their homes.
WSH also suggested that the district administration in collaboration with civil society groups and colony/village councils work out a system of allowing respective residents buy essential commodities within their own localities and villages from few identifies shops within strict timing and routine and strict penalty on defaulters.
WSH also asked the district administration to enhance home delivery arrangements for people who do not want to venture out during “these perilous times.”
Further WSH has expressed appreciation of the stat government’s action in combating the coronavirus and urged it to “judiciously allot the emergency medical equipments for Dimapur”- as is the main gateway of Nagaland and vulnerable and also to set up a laboratory testing facility without further delay.