Amid the continuing palpable tension between India and Pakistan, over 80 Naga students and working individuals have been evacuated from Punjab and Chandigarh, informed the Naga Students’ Union Punjab (NSUP).
The NSUP, which is facilitating voluntary evacuation of Naga students and working persons from Punjab and Chandigarh said the list is increasing.
An update from NSUP president Sensen Ilang late Saturday evening mentioned that the student body is conducting a live format of collecting the information of all Nagas irrespective of whether the person is a student or working individual in Punjab and Chandigarh. “This list will be sent to the higher authorities for record and for further assistance in the days to come should the situation here worsens,” Ilang said.
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Following May 8 attacks in Amritsar, Jalandhar, Chandigarh, Kapurthala and bordering districts in Punjab, the NSUP stated it convened an emergency meeting and put out a notice on its social media platforms notifying members regarding the voluntary evacuation the union had initiated due to the prevailing situation while taking care not to incite fear or panic.
Starting from May 9, the student body took up immediate initiative to assist and facilitate the voluntary evacuation of students who wished to return home in light of the situation. For students who preferred to remain in Punjab, the union appealed to them to strictly follow government-issued guidelines and take all necessary precautions to ensure their safety and well-being.
While stating that NSUP gives priority to its registered members within the jurisdiction of Punjab, however on humanitarian grounds during such a crisis, the union stated it had decided to help all Nagas who approached it and in collaboration with NSU Chandigarh, NSUP has created and distributed online forms for students and working individuals of Punjab and Chandigarh irrespective of whether they are registered with the unions or not.
NSUP also mentioned its coordinated efforts with the resident commissioner (RC) Nagaland House New Delhi Sharon Longchari for accommodation, and connecting with local private transportation agencies in Punjab for transportation.
The union acknowledged the support from RC Nagaland House, Naga Students Union Delhi, Delhi Ao Kaketshir Telongjem, individuals who stepped forward for assistance, the Naga Students’ Federation and everyone who reach out during such a crisis.
