The recent resurgence of COVID-19, as reported across
national dailies and television channels, evokes vivid memories of 2020—a year
indelibly etched in our collective experience. I was then entrusted by the
State Government with the formidable task of overseeing preparedness and
leading the response to the advancing pandemic. Though the virus first emerged
in Asia, by the time it reached Nagaland, it had already swept across
continents. In a curious reversal, while we often say “the sun rises in the
East,” COVID-19 reached us from the West, through the Dimapur Gateway.
From the initial stages of planning to the thick of
frontline response, we were caught in a hectic schedule—an unrelenting effort
that left scant time for rest. For over six gruelling months spanning the first
and second waves, our days and nights blurred into one, with barely three to
four hours of sleep at best.
During the first wave, our immediate focus was on enforcing
lockdowns, regulating essential supplies, and facilitating the return of
citizens stranded across India. The challenge was immense: nearly 18,000
returnees arrived, out of which about 60% returnees are from Dimapur. Those who
tested positive hailing from other districts had to be retained at Dimapur,
while those testing negative were forwarded to their home districts.
Team Dimapur swiftly set up about 58 quarantine centres
across Dimapur, Chümoukedima, Niuland, Medziphema, and its headquarters at
Agri-Expo, Diphuphar, with a collective hosting capacity of more than 3,000.
Inside these centres, we provided basic necessities such as accommodation,
meals, water, electricity—and coordinated timely testing. However, maintaining
order proved difficult. Law and order problems were frequent, particularly from
some individuals struggling with alcoholism or drug addiction. News from the
centres was rarely encouraging.
As fear gripped communities, villages and neighbourhoods
began enforcing their own lockdowns. Sadly, health workers often faced
discrimination, and some families were reluctant to welcome home their own
returning children and relatives even after they had completed quarantine.
The second wave proved the most devastating period. Patients
deteriorated rapidly, often becoming breathless without warning. Hospitals
faced acute shortages—of oxygen supplies, ICU beds, and trained personnel. The
mounting death toll meant that many families were denied the comfort of proper
farewells. Even pastors and church workers could not attend funerals.
Yet, amidst the heartbreak, many rose to the occasion. The
Health and Family Welfare, Administration, Police Department, NGOs, church
workers, and, most notably, the dedicated Home Guards personnel who carried the
bodies of COVID victims—all deserve our deepest gratitude. Their courage and
service stood as beacons of hope during those darkest days.
Beyond the virus itself, I remain convinced that fear,
anxiety, and stress claimed many lives. My earnest advice is this: do not
panic, but remain vigilant. Follow health protocols and act with informed
caution. As I repeatedly reminded the public during those critical days,
COVID-19 is likely to persist until a definitive cure or permanent solution is
found. But we must face it with resolve and not surrender to despair.
The recent report of seven COVID-related deaths in India
within 24 hours is indeed sobering. However, it is crucial to maintain
perspective. Each day, over 500 lives are lost to road accidents in India—a
persistent and far greater toll. Even in Nagaland, road fatalities are rising
with the expansion of new highways, particularly along the Chümoukedima stretch
and in Dimapur. This alarming trend rarely receives the urgency it demands.
The comparison is not meant to diminish the gravity of
COVID-19, but to underscore the need for a balanced, proactive approach to
public safety across all spheres.
As we confront this new wave, let us draw strength from the
hard-earned lessons of the past. May we perform our duties with renewed
diligence and continue to exercise caution. With resilience and unity, we can
face whatever lies ahead with greater strength and solidarity.
