DIMAPUR, Dec 6 - The Nagaland Home Guards and Civil Defence, and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) observed their 58th Raising Day in Kohima today. Unlike previous years, the annual Raising Day celebrations were held only a short formal programme because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Civil Defence in Nagaland preceded the formation of Home Guards organisation. The Nagaland Home Guards organisation was formally established on March 1, 1988, by an ordinance of 1987.
The Nagaland Home Guards Acts of 1988 was passed by the State Legislature on May 12, 1988. Both Civil Defence and Home Guards organisation complement each other and coexist under a common head office. While the Civil Defence deals with incidents arising out of external aggression to the country in general, the Home Guards deal with incidents arising out of internal security like strikes, communal disharmony, socio-economic and welfare activities, and natural calamities like landslides, earthquake, fire, etc.
Speaking at the formal programme, Additional Director-General of Home Guards, Civil Defence and SDRF SR Saravanam lauded the SDRF for their unending sacrifice and hard work in the fight against the COVID-19. He also commended the department for the excellent work it has been doing in aiding the State police in maintaining law and order.
Saravanam said that it has been a tough year for the SDRF personnel, but they have risen to the occasion and done an excellent job by performing much better than other States. He urged the SDRF personnel to work together cohesively as a team and reminded that they have a big responsibility towards the safety and wellbeing of the citizens.
He urged the department to keep working and keep evolving, learning from past mistakes and failures and be more active on social media platforms to create awareness among the citizens.
Director and Commandant General, Civil Defence and Home Guards, Medozhalie Pienyu, spoke on the history and formation of the Home Guards in the State and how it had evolved over the years. He highlighted various activities of the department and the vital role it plays in aiding the State police in maintaining law and order and protection of important institutions.
Pienyu further acknowledged the selfless sacrifice and hard work of the SDRF personnel in the fight against the COVID-19.
He paid tribute to the lone SDRF personnel who succumbed to the COVID-19 complications, while in the line of duty and said that every Naga is indebted to him for his ultimate sacrifice.
A brief demonstration by the SDRF personnel on different rescue techniques during emergencies was organised to mark the occasion.
