Hyderabad, the capital of Telangana and one of India’s commercial hubs has also been hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. The city has hundreds of Nagas – students and those working in various sectors. Nagas Connect got in touch with Naga Christian Fellowship (NCF), Hyderabad pastor Matsung Longkumer who has been proactive in helping stranded Nagas. He has also been coordinating with the Nagaland Government to look into the welfare of Nagas in Hyderabad.
How many Nagas may be there in Hyderabad? Out of these, what’s the percentage of working Nagas and students?We don’t know exactly as to how many Nagas are in Hyderabad. NCF Hyderabad has some figure who are related to the church – which comes around 200 people including in-laws. However, with the Covid19 crisis we are coming to know many Nagas who were never associated with the church earlier. This number stands somewhere between 180-200 mostly working youth in hospitality sectors and various unorganized sectors. Thus the final tally might be roughly between 400-500 Nagas.
Student and working people ratio might be somewhere 20:80.
What are the problems Nagas in Hyderabad are currently facing?There are many Nagas employed/working in unorganized sector. These groups are the worst hit currently. Since the lockdown their workplace has been shut and they are left to fend for themselves without salary. Has the State Government’s financial assistance reached them? Are they facing any problems in applying in the state’s dedicated portal?
NCF Hyderabad got some financial assistance from the Nagaland state CMRF. With this we are trying to help the stranded people by giving aid for immediate basic needs. So far we are able to help 140 people; remaining we will be able to reach them in the coming days.
Few people don’t have personal bank account and few don’t have Adhaar card so these people are not able to upload their credentials in the dedicated state portal.
So far Telangana Govt. has been proactive in helping the migrants from other states. Few Nagas also benefited from the scheme. How has the pandemic affected the livelihood of Nagas? In coming months, How do you see the employment scenario in Hyderabad – one of the country’s biggest cities?
The worst is felt by those working in unorganized sector. They are laid off without salary. My worst fear is since small and unorganized business are badly effected, most of our boys and girls are employed in these sectors they may be left jobless. In the worst scenario they will be force to pick up any job that comes by undermining job and health security, leading to more exploitation. Few people also told me they wanted to go back. If the Nagaland Govt. can come out with long term plan and vision this will help the youngsters. As church services are suspended, how are you reaching out to your church members?
We are conducting live online worship and will have to continue till Govt. order are relaxed. NCF Hyderabad pastor can be reached at imsulongkumer@gmail.com