Dimapur:
Keeping in view the threat posed by the coronavirus pandemic that has swept across the globe leaving millions infected, the 'Muslim Council Dimapur' has now urged all the Muslims from Nagaland who are stranded elsewhere to stay put where they are, at least for the time being.
According to a notification undersigned by the organization's Working President Ahidur Rahman, the decision was taken after consultation with the "community elders, responsible Dimapur Masjid Committees and Kohima Jame Masjid Committee and after taking consideration of the situation that might arise after the arrival of the stranded Muslims into Dimapur and Kohima from Assam and other parts of the country after the relaxation given by the MHA."
The body has now urged the Muslims "not to return to Nagaland for at least next two months or till such time the Government declare that the situation as normal."
A quarantine centre that was proposed by the community in collaboration will also "stand cancelled as of now"", informed the communique.
The body cited an age-old Islamic Hadith by Prophet Mohammad as a reason for Muslims not to return amid the pandemic crisis. The 1,400 years old Hadith reads, "When you hear a plague is in a land, do not enter it and if the plague breaks out while you are in it, do not leave it."
The Council, however, affirmed its commitment to help the stranded Muslims and also urged the Government of Nagaland to extend help "to those in need".
"This decision is taken collectively by the Muslim Community for the greater interest of the community and for the safety and wellbeing of all citizens of Nagaland. Let us all join together to keep Nagaland a safe place without the deadly coronavirus", the MCD's release further exhorted.
It is pertinent to mention here that Nagaland had its first brush with the coronavirus when a prominent businessman from the state's commercial hub Dimapur was tested positive at the Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) where he was kept for treatment. However, the patient was not 'accepted' by Nagaland as he had tested positive in Guwahati and was added to the tally of Assam. After being in this situation of limbo for the duration of his treatment, the patient was finally cured and released on May 1, informed Assam's Finance and Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.