NSCN-IM takes Strict Measures against COVID-19 at Camp Hebron

Kohima, March 24, 2020:

Proving that in times of a global crisis, even the most hardened are compelled to pause, re-think and take a deep breath, it has now come to light that cadres of the Isaak Muivah faction of the Nationalist Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN) have become extra-alert and all are undergoing thermal screenings at the NSCN abode, Camp Hebron. It has further been announced that anyone entering the insurgent group's administrative and military headquarters in Nagaland's Dimapur is being checked thoroughly with thermal devices.

Now, with a view to mitigate the spread of the international pandemic coronavirus (or COVID-19), Nagaland's largest insurgent body has raised red alarms its camps in order to keep the virus at bay. On the occasion of the Naga Republic Day, the NSCN (IM) has resolved to adopt strict measures in order to keep the COVID-19 at bay.

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This year, the Naga Republic Day, usually a big occasion for the separatist group, saw muted celebration as fear continues to mount amid the rising number of cases (and deaths) in India and abroad. (16,558 people have died so far in the world)

Informing this, an official release of the insurgent group, reads, "This year round, the formal celebration with all the fanfare items were set aside upholding with the solidarity across the world in its fight against the highly infectious COVID-19 where social distance is one effective preventive measure..."

The NSCN, which is currently at loggerheads with the Government of India over the demand for a separate flag and a separate Constitution for the Nagas, has also stated that the man-imposed boundaries will do little to curb the spread of the virus, with the threat of the COVID-19 creeping ever closer home (a case was reported earlier today in neighboring Manipur).

"COVID-19 respects no national or state boundary. It respects no social bounds, no political system and no cultural values. Nothing matters more than how we respond. The Health Ministry of GPRN is not taking any chance but is fully geared up to face the alarming situation", the NSCN further stated in its official release.

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Meanwhile, fears and apprehensions over a possible outbreak have also hit the Camp Hebron, the refuge of the militant organization. The organization has informed that besides other preventive measures like personal hygiene, every member in Hebron is made to go through thermal screening. "No visitors coming to the camp are allowed to pass without thermal screening at the gate", the NSCN has said.

It is pertinent to mention here that a 23-year-old girl from Imphal West district of Manipur has been tested positive for COVID-19, thereby making it the first positive case of Manipur on Tuesday morning.

While speaking with Inside Northeast, Deputy Chief Minister of Manipur, Y Joykumar Singh said, “One case has been depicted as positive. So, now we are taking the possible precautions that are necessary.

He added, “She has come back from London. She was traveling to Imphal. Most likely she has come from Delhi. She came by Air Asia. So, we are now checking the flight manifesto of who all were passengers so that we trace them and see if anyone has developed the same infection or not.”

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