NAGA MOTHERS’ ASSOCIATION (NMA) and DON BOSCO YOUTH & EDUCATIONAL SERVICES (PROVINCE OF DIMAPUR) RESPOND TO COVID-19 PANDEMIC

• 

• 

• 

• 

Dimapur: The Naga Mothers’ Association (NMA) is a prominent civil society organization formed by women in Nagaland. The organization has consistently tried to address problems of conflict, peace building and substance abuse by creating a platform for dialogue that brings together disparate voices. Ever since its establishment in 1984 in Kohima, NMA has consistently voiced their opinion against fratricidal killings, violence between different Naga outfits, and the Indian security forces. The NMA believes in a space of dialogue and consultation on contentious issues like tribal unity. Their peace building efforts and reconciliation are based on human dignity and value of life!
The novel Covid-19 pandemic is impacting the entire humanity as an unprecedented crisis that needs an extraordinary response and resilience. It is an unprecedented global crisis indeed! These unprecedented challenges call for concerted efforts and decisive actions. This novel Covid-19 has plunged the entire North East India too into a catastrophic situation with exodus of youths returning to their home states. The immediate health issues, sufficient food supply and sanitization of the quarantine centres became the top priorities. In Nagaland state, both the government agencies and civil organizations were not sufficiently prepared to face this pandemic.
It is against this background the idea of a joint venture by NMA and DBYES was thought of and executed it quite timely and successfully. We put our ideas, concerns, resources, and manpower together to respond to the problems and difficulties faced by the inmates of various quarantine centres and hospitals in different districts of Nagaland. In all our joint ventures we had a special attention to the returnees (Youths) from mainland cities en route to their respective villages. They were hit hard by this pandemic. Our Salesian intervention in this regard is particularly important as we have a great concern for migrant youths (workers) in our Salesian Youth Ministry.
The NMA and DBYES supplied food items to 5832 beneficiaries in 3 Quarantine Centres (Peren, Tuengsang, Oriental Theological Seminary) and 2 Covid-19 Hospitals (Chedema & Kohima). The food items consisted of Rice, dal, eggs, milk, sugar, tea leaves, biscuits, fruit juices, potatoes, tomatoes, onions, fish and chicken, etc. 

In this joint venture, the NMA executives have played a vital important role. They contacted their unit executives and through them they contacted the civil authorities, village & tribe representatives and youth leaders to carry out the distribution of the food items. It is an important learning experience for everyone that we need the help and collaboration of all. Together we can do much and overcome the challenges and difficult circumstances we are facing today! (By Fr. Peter Salew SDB)