Coronavirus Crisis: Nagaland Closes Inter-State Transit & Business Establishments

Kohima, March 22, 2020:

Nagaland has declared a bandh for all the shops and business establishments on March 23 in a bid to help in containing the spread of novel coronavirus.

"All shops and business establishments, except pharmacies, petrol pumps and grocery shops selling food grains, food items, vegetables, daily use items, other essential commodities and media offices shall remain closed till further orders," said Chief Secretary, Nagaland, Temjen Toy in an official statement, addressing the coronavirus issue.

All the commercial passenger vehicles, both public and private, like buses, taxis, autos, two wheeler taxis, etc. will also not ply until further orders.

ALSO READ: Tripura Suspends Entry of Passengers via Agartala Immigration Land Check Post from Midnight to March 31

The order restricts public movement except those coming out of their homes for procurement and distribution of essential commodities, availing essential services, medical facilities and other basic needs.

"All inter-state entry points shall be sealed except for movement of essential commodities, security forces, medical equipments and supplies, and good vehicles transiting the State till further orders. However, the drivers and attendants of the vehicles transiting the State shall be subject to medical screening as per laid down protocol," read the order.

The Nagaland Government has issued this order keeping in view the current state of COVID-19, which has taken a dangerous turn, with over 340 cases in India currently.

The State Government Offices will also remain closed. However, all the emergency Offices related to essential services will remain open. "However, the Administrative Heads of departments/Heads of Departments/Heads of Offices shall form a core group of officers/staff to attend to urgent and essential matters. All other Government employees should be available on call," states the order.

Support Inside Northeast (InsideNE), an independent media platform that focuses on Citizen-centric stories from Northeast India that are surprising, inspiring, cinematic and emotionally relevant.