Friends of the Hills People reaching out to needy across the state

Dimapur, April 19 (EMN): Continuing to live up to its motto: ‘Friends of the Hills People,’ the Assam Rifles has been reaching out to the needy people and initiating various welfare activities across the state amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

An update received from the troop's authority informed that the initiatives were taken as part of its ongoing effort in the fight against Covid-19 and to assist the citizens of the state.

The Kohima battalion under the aegis of HQ IGAR (North) provided basic essentials for children of Kohima Orphanage and Destitute Home.

Mokokchung battalion in collaboration with self help groups (SHG) of the district made masks for frontline health workers with locally available resources and handed it over to the administration. The civil administration and Assam Rifles also exchanged ideas on best practises to contain the spread of the virus.

Tuensang battalion distributed rations and hygiene kits to the villagers and  Primary Health Centre.  The troops also carried out sanitisation drive at various locations in the district, under the banner "Operation Namaste."

"With the lockdown imposed, farmers are without access to market, resulting in the perishable organic vegetables and fruits going waste and affecting their daily income. The issue was brought to the attention of Assam Rifles by village functionaries so, Tuensang battalion took initiative to purchase fruits and vegetables from them and therein aiding in economic sustenance of the farmers," said the troop's official.

Phek battalion also purchased organic produces of the villagers, to boost their economy.

Zunheboto battalion handed over essentials items to Zunheboto Sumi Totimi Hoho  for  distribution to aggrieved residents of Zunheboto town.

Rice bags were also distributed to Veer Naris and for children of Sakhalu orphanage.

Mon battalion also distributed essential food items to AR ESM, Veer Naris and civilians at Naginimora.

Taking forward the noble initiative of  "Operation Namaste," the IG AR (North) reached out to local administration and staff at Community Health Centre, Changtongya town of Mokokchung district with provision of N95 and surgical masks for the medical staff.

 Cooking utensils, linen, hygiene kits and toilet items were given for the use at isolation and quarantine centres.