Director-General of Police, Nagaland, IPS T. John Longkumer believes a humane approach is the best way to manage Covid. He advised police personnel to avoid using ‘danda’ (stick) on people, and rather show compassion and humanity. Providing care should be the topmost priority. “Police as the first responder and the guardian of the state should do our duty based on the highest standards of Nagaland Police motto, i.e. Security, Service and Sacrifice”, he told Indian Masterminds.
PREPAREDNESS FOR THIRD WAVE
Mr. Longkumer revealed that the vaccination drive for police personnel is going on at a war footing. So far 90% of the police department has been vaccinated. Covid hospitals and oxygen plants are being readied while ambulances, oxygen cylinders, and basic protective items are being stocked up.
COVID SITUATION IN THE STATE
Mr. Longkumer said that “the Covid situation in Nagaland is relatively better now. However, the administration is treading very cautiously as Covid 19 is unpredictable and the pandemic is a constantly evolving situation”. As of now, the state is in the process of Unlock 6.
POLICE TO THE RESCUE
He said that Nagaland Police has been at the forefront of the Covid battle right from Day 1. “It was very challenging for us but we managed. We successfully managed the lockdowns and the migrant population.” Nagaland Police delivered essential items and medicines in the containment zones. During the second wave, they distributed oxygen cylinders to people in need. And to avoid shortage and black marketing, they even delivered the vaccines to the centers.
CREATING AWARENESS
Talking about the impact of social media in creating mass awareness, Mr. Longkumer said, “We created awareness through infographics on Covid appropriate behavior. In this way, we could also dispel myths and misinformation.” To leverage these campaigns, they used local dialects, music, and songs.
Such innovative and proactive steps to reach out to the public during a pandemic have succeeded in building a strong police-public relationship based on trust. And the credit goes to Mr. T. John Longkumer as well as IPS officer Limasunep Jamir, IGP ranger Nagaland, for laying a solid foundation.
