Konyak Union declares indefinite emergency in Mon to contain Covid-19 outbreak

Dimapur, March 25 (EMN): Taking a serious note of the region’s vulnerability, both geographically and medically (healthcare facility), in any eventuality of novel coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak, the Konyak Union (KU) has declared “indefinite emergency” in Mon district of Nagaland.

A statement issued by the media cell of Konyak Union on Wednesday justified the “temporary sealing” of international border, stating that it was a “preventive act that will shield our Konyak brothers of Myanmar from the brutality of Covid-19 pandemic outbreak” and should not be misunderstood. It went on to say that the move was “purely temporary and such situation should not be taken otherwise”.

Restrictions and orders

No social gathering during Aoleang 2020: The Konyak Union has asked its members to call off all programmes associated with the Aoleang Monyu Festival and be safe by staying indoors. Respective village councils have been directed to implement the order in their respective villages.

Total entry restriction: Following the nationwide curfew declared by the prime minister, the KU has also announced “indefinite movement restriction”. All entry routes to the district will be manned but ‘movement of essential commodities and medical emergencies has been exempted’.

Stable prices: The Konyak Union has directed Mon District Chamber of Commerce to strictly monitor the market to ensure that essential commodities are made available to the public and avoid artificial inflation of prices. It said stern action, including cancellation of trade license, would be taken against shopkeepers violating the directive.

No extortion: The KU has directed all ‘Naga political leaders and individuals to go back to their respective villages or be confined inside their home/camp’ during the present crisis. “Any form of disturbances/extortion within Konyak soil is strictly prohibited,” it stated.

Appreciations and appeals

While lauding the district administration, law enforcing authority and doctors under the CMO for their tireless efforts during this crisis, the Konyak Union has placed “fervent appeals” to the authorities:

CMO and DHM: The union has urged the district Medical department to come up with remedial measures in case of any eventualities and to set up quarantine centre at Mon, Naginimora, Tizit, Aboi, Wakching and Tobu, as well as an isolation ward in the outskirt of Mon town. It also demanded mandatory screening at entry point 24×7.

Law enforcing authority: It has appealed the district law enforcing authority to constantly regulate and monitor unaccounted entry and loitering around, defying its order.

Additional fund for Mon: Citing the geographical vulnerability of Nagaland’s Mon district, bordering Myanmar, Arunachal Pradesh and Assam as well as lack of medical facilities and equipment, the union has appealed to the state government to grant additional/sufficient fund to the district to curb the coronavirus outbreak and endorsed minister in-charge of Mon district Paiwang Konyak to take up the task.

Churches under KBBB: It has appealed to all the churches in Mon district to uphold preventive measures and pray especially for doctors, nurses, healthcare staff, district administration, law enforcing authorities and all civil society leaders who are in the frontline of the battle.

Unquestionable co-operation: The union has made a clarion call to its citizens to obey the directives of the government in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic. It has also called upon the people and well-wishers to donate, which will help tackle the virus. The Konyak Union has warned of stern action against those not complying with its order, stating that “it shall not tolerate anyone that defies its stance”. “Hence, every citizen of Mon district should be responsible in its fight against the pandemic,” it added.