Nagaland Congress has requested chief minister Neiphiu Rio to provide monthly assistance of Rs 10,000-Rs 15,000 each to the people from Nagaland stranded in other parts of the country and abroad due to lockdown.

Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) president K. Therie in a letter to chief minister Rio said it is the responsibility of the state to receive them in whatever condition they may be for they are the “state government’s subjects”.

“It is understandable that safety of our people is important. We are not certain if the travel route will be free from the virus,” Therie added.

The NPCC president said: “The other issue is, are we prepared to receive them? If denied entry in the interests of all, if lockdown is better for all, they should be given monthly maintenance at least Rs 10,002-15000 per month each.”

Meanwhile, Dimapur deputy commissioner Anoop Khinchi on Thursday said strict action will be taken against those who are violating the containment measures.

In an order, Khinchi said in spite of repeated orders issued by him, it has been reported that some villages are barring entry of medical personnel, persons on emergency duty in the wake of COVID-19 and also staff and patients of Zion Hospital Dimapur, where a COVID-19 infected patient was first admitted.

He directed the village councils/colony chairmen and all concerned to ensure that the people working in the frontline are honoured and respected.

Bhadra Gogoi is Northeast Now Correspondent in Nagaland. He can be reached at: [email protected]