NSCN (IM) Demands Action against Nagaland's COVID-19 Patient for "Not Disclosing Travel History"

Dimapur, April 15, 2020:

Lashing out at the Nagaland Government over its reaction to the first coronavirus case, the Isaak-Muivah faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN-IM) has said that this is a "wake up call" for the Neiphiu Rio led regime in the state.The insurgents have further demanded against the first patient for allegedly not disclosing his travel history, adding that it is a "criminal breach of conduct."

In a statement released by the rebel body, it claims that "it is shocking to learn that the Nagaland state has been found on wrong footing after the much hyped preparation to tackle the highly contagious Covid-19."

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The detection of the first case has "exposed the contradictory ground reality", the NSCN said, adding, "Nagaland is not fully geared up as claimed by the state government."

"It is clear beyond doubt that the case has not been handled in the manner as per the protocol demanded by the seriousness of the situation", the NSCN (IM) further added.

What is more shocking, the NSCN (IM) said, is the snail's pace progress of the construction of the Covid-19 Hospital in Dimapur. "Shortage of funds should not be the reason when the Government of India has generously provided hundreds of crores of rupees", he said.

But, the most damning issue that has annoyed the people the most is the callous manner of not sending the patient to the Quarantine Centre where he can be monitored 24 hours and thereby doing away the risk of infecting others if his case proved otherwise.

"This is a serious lapse that has put the life of many at risk now. No less damning is the

irresponsible mentality of the patient and his family members by not disclosing his travel history. This has jeopardizes the fighting preparation of the whole Dimapur to contain the spread of the deadly virus", the NSCN (IM) said, adding that the patient and his family should not be allowed to go "scot free."

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The NSCN further said that the Rio-led PDA government to stand up to its feet and start doing everything on a war footing.

It may be recalled that on April 13, the patient arrived from Kolkata by Air India Flight no 707, seat no 5B on March 24. According to official reports, he submitted a self declaration form to medical staff and was advised home quarantine for 14 days.

On March 30, a district surveillance team contacted the patient by following protocol and enquired about his health. The manconfirmed he was fine without any symptoms of the coronavirus. He was reminded to contact the Chief Medical Officer’s office in case of any health issues.

At the same time, the Nagaland administration has come under increasing scrutiny for non-availability of COVID-19 testing facilities in the State of Nagaland.

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