By : Imna Longchar
Dimapur(Nagaland), April 21 : The only commercial hub in Nagaland, Dimapur, will experience a night curfew starting April 23 from 8 p.m to 5 a.m after a decision was made in the District Task Force (DTF)meeting held on Wednesday in order to control the spread of COVID-19 pandemic in the district.
A directive issued from Nagaland Home department for strict compliance by all concerned, Deputy Commissioner, Dimapur, Rajesh Soundararajan, said all shops, business establishments, and restaurants should be closed by 7 p.m. however, medical, emergency and essential services including pharmacies shall function while commercial activities and assembling of four or more persons are prohibited.
Stating that though there shall be no restrictions for movement in all types of goods through trucks, goods vehicles or any goods carriers including empty vehicles and movement of persons to facilitate the same, the deputy commissioner however, said that movement of long distance night bus services, public transport, private vehicles and taxis from railway stations and bus terminals/stops/stands are allowed on production of valid travel documents for facilitating movement of passengers by air, rail and road.
He also added that all other movement apart from for the activities mentioned are strictly prohibited. Informing that all shops located in one of the busiest markets (New Market) and Hongkong market in the commercial hub of the state, Dimapur, would be allowed to open on alternate days following “odd-even” system, The DC added that only 50 percent of footpath vendors in the said locations would be allowed on any given day while mentioning that necessary arrangements for the same shall be made accordingly by the Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC) administrator.
He also directed all Gaonburas/chairmen of village council/colonies/wards to identify any person arriving from outside the state in their respective jurisdiction and instruct such persons to the DTF and also they shall instruct persons arriving from outside the state without Negative COVID-19 test to self isolate for ten (10) days.
And for the same, the DC said returnees may be instructed to submit their personal information including name, age, mobile numbers to its official data room at idsp.dmr@gmail.com or through wats app number 8837496902 while also adding that individuals with any queries relating to COVID may contact the control room at 7630877991 and 7630877983.
“Persons arriving from outside the state to remain in self isolation for 10 days, if no negative RT-PCR/Tru Nat/CBNAAT test report done earlier than 72 hours prior to entry into the State, is produced on arrival or if test result is awaited,” said the deputy commissioner while also directing all residents of Dimapur to observe COVID-19 with appropriate behaviours including avoiding crowded places,compulsory wearing of face masks and if eligible to avail the COVID-19 vaccination.
In this regard, he directed all Gaonburas/chairmen of village councils/colonies/wards in addition toenforcement committees and police to ensure compliance to COVID-19 appropriate behaviours and other SoPs in their respective jurisdictions.
He also stated that social/academic/entertainment/cultural/political and religious functions outside containment zones shall be limited to 50 percent of the seating capacity or 200 persons whichever is lower while festivals of any kind shall be kept the bare minimum and incase the gathering in open space is more than 200, prior permission from the DTF should be sought.
The Deputy Commissioner, Dimapur, also disclosed that random screening tests would continue and conducted as per the government’s directives for which the same order will be effective from April 23and for which any person violating the order would be penalized as per the provision of the Section 51 to 60 of the Disaster Management Act 2005 beside legal action under Section 188 of the IPC.
