Dimapur: With the Covid-19 pandemic showing no sign of relenting, an ecumenical association — the Christian Forum Dimapur (CFD) — has stepped up its efforts in supporting government initiatives to mitigate the crisis in Nagaland, one of the North Eastern region of India. Established in 1999, CFD works closely government authorities on various initiatives.
On Friday, ecumenical forum CDF launched Covid-19 campaign on the theme “Protect Yourself to Protect Others” at Bishop’s House in Dimapur.
Y. Kikheto Sema, IAS APC and Commissioner Secretary, Government of Nagaland; Anoop Kinchi, IAS, Deputy Commissioner Dimapur; Rothihu Tetseo IPS Commissioner Police Dimapur; Dr.Tiasunep Chief Medical Officer addressed the various challenges and issues concerning the Covid-19 pandemic in the context.
Speaking on the occasion, Sema stated various issues and challenges faced by the people who are stranded. He assured all support for a smooth entry to Nagaland and his team were working tirelessly for the same. “We need to learn to live with the pandemic,” he stated. He urged all to cooperate with the government in handling the situation.
Anoop Kinchi, in his speech, urged the people not to panic but rather work in unity to defy the dreaded virus. He stressed on the three golden rules i.e, wash hand, wear masks and to keep social distance. He extended his appreciation towards the CFD, front line workers, social organizations and student unions in assisting and taking up measures to curb the pandemic. Lastly, he encouraged everyone to work together as a team to tackle the problem.
Rothihu Tetseo highlighted the role played by the church. He was appreciative regarding the active role of church during this pandemic . He also appealed the churches to be prepared to face any situation and exhorted the leaders to educate the people and strengthen them spiritually.
Emphasizing on the severity of the issue, Chief medical officer, Dr. Tiasunep Pongener warned that the dreaded virus was just around the corner. Talking about the condition of affected neighbouring states of Assam and Manipur, Nagaland could possibly be the next victim, he stated. In such instances, Dr Tiasunep said that the virus may come and go. He urged people to take precautionary measures . He expressed optimism over the improvement of the medical infrastructure in the last two months. In conclusion, he urged the churches and NGO’s to take broad initiatives to enlighten the public on how to take proper measures.
Rev. Moses, in his welcome address, requested the government officials to take care of the incoming people and seal the border. Rev. Fr. C.P. Anto chaired the meeting and flagged three points namely the need to learn to live with the virus, encourage and support front line workers, promote campaign of washing hands, wearing masks and keeping social distance.
Religious leaders from various denominations and government officials participated in the event. CDF thanked Catholic Church, Most. Rev. Dr. James Thoppil Bishop of Nagaland, for inspiring and sponsoring 25,000 masks to the frontline workers and the needy. Rev. R P Murry, advisor to CFD, recited the invocation prayer. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Ps. Khriezovi Kiso, Finance secretary of CFD and closing benediction by Rev. Dr. P. Dozo Advisor, CFD.
The collaborators of this ecumenical venture includes churches and Christian institutions from different Christian backgrounds. Recently, a joint meeting of CFD and government officials of Nagaland was held at Bishop’s House at Dimapur. The meeting was attended by key church and government leaders of Nagaland. Some of the dignitaries present during the meeting were Y Kikheto Sema, IAS APC and Commissioner Secretary, Anoop Kinchi, IAS, Deputy Commissioner Dimapur, Honje Konyak, Secretary F&CS, Department Government of Nagaland along with 35 Church leaders.
Some of the specific activities of Dimapur Christian Forum during the Covid 19 crisis are: Tele counselling facilities for children, youth and adults and prayer support. “We have reached out to the migrant workers, daily labourers, marginalized ,stranded by setting up rehabilitation centres, orphanages and quarantine centres and we will continue to do so,” said Rev Moses Murry, the chairman of CFD, also the one of the top officials of Assemblies of God Church in North-East India.
In addition to ecumenical initiatives, CFD has already covered more than 1900 families with food grains, provision kits and efforts are on to continue this services in the coming days.
“The Lord encompasses all (Isaiah 40.21–26) is a powerful message for our times. The Covid 19 pandemic is having a devastating impact on human lives and well-being. CFD has done remarkable service in reaching out to the people,” Fr C P Anto, secretary of CFD also the Kohima diocesan secretary for ecumenism said adding, “we trust this time of suffering and crisis will pass and that we will all emerge stronger, wiser, and better with God’s Grace. Let us turn to find this crisis into an opportunity and let us find ways to help one another and spread Hope”.
Very good attempt. It is time to throw away our differences and hold hands together to fight the virus. This group has set the example to the rest of the nation.