Nagaland: Researchers Study Bats and Bat Hunters in Nagaland, Centre Orders Probe

Kohima, February 6, 2020:

The Health Ministry of Nagaland has informed that it awaits the reports of the Inquiry Committee that was recently directed to probe into the study of bats and bat hunters conducted in Nagaland.

A group of researchers had carried out a study of bats and bat hunters in the northeastern state. While speaking with Inside Northeast, Dr Kikon, an official from the Health & Family Welfare Department, Nagaland, said, “The Inquiry Committee had arrived in Nagaland and conducted the preliminary studies. We are waiting for detailed reports from the inquiry committee. They will be providing us with the findings and reports from their side. They would also be giving us the recommendations to go forward in this matter.”

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It may be mentioned here that a group of researchers from Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, the National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS), the Wuhan Institute of Virology, the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences in the US and the Duke-National University in Singapore had carried out a study, wherein they tested the samples of bats and bat hunters in a Mimi village is Nagaland’s Kiphire district.

The government had ordered an inquiry to learn as to how the researchers were allowed to access the samples without proper permissions. According to Dr. Kikon, the inquiry committee’s reports are awaited.

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He also informed that following the outbreak of Coronavirus, the Nagaland government has diverted its attention to ensure preventive measures in the state. “38 people are under surveillance for the Coronavirus testing. Once the deadly virus subsides, we can shift our focus to the matter", he said.

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