NSF
Representative photo. Image credit - post.jagran.com

The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) on Monday urged the Nagaland government to liaise with the Centre and other state governments to ensure the wellbeing of the Naga students staying outside the state.

The students’ federation said it is very disheartening to point out that the students staying outside the state have been subjected to humiliation and emotional trauma because of COVID-19 pandemic.

NSF president Ninoto Awomi and general secretary Liremo R Kikon said the federation has come to know that the Naga students residing outside the state have been facing discrimination in various forms due to their physical appearances.

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The NSF appealed to the state government to provide all necessary assistance to the Naga students who have been arriving from other states and are stranded in various places due to the restrictions imposed on the movement of public transports.

The federation in a statement said the students should be provided assistance after being properly screened for COVID-19.

The NSF said its office will remain closed from March 24 to April 12 in compliance with the government’s directive and as an effort to prevent the spread of the virus.

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However, its day-to-day functioning will remain unaffected.

The federation urged the students’ community and the general public to contact its office-bearers at 7005191201 and 7005305832 in case of any grievances and for assistance.

The NSF further appealed to all the educational institutions, including coaching institutions, to strictly comply with the state government’s directive on COVID-19.

The federation warned that any institution, putting the lives of the students in jeopardy due to non-compliance, will attract harsh penalties from it.

It urged the students’ community and the public to exercise utmost restraint and adopt a responsible lifestyle in line with the various advisories issued by the authorities concerned.

“We appeal you to stay at home, stay safe and keep your loved and dear ones safe from the deadly COVID-19,” the NSF said.

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