Another 150 BSF personnel to return to Meghalaya

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJuly 2, 2020

Another 150 border security force (BSF) personnel, who have gone on leave, will be returning to the state.

This was informed at a meeting convened by the state government with the BSF officials in Shillong on Thursday.

Addressing media persons, Director of Health Services (MI) Dr Aman War said the meeting was called to discuss on how to contain the spread of COVID-19, after 6 BSF personnel were tested positive in the city.

Umpling area, where the BSF camp is located, has been declared as a containment zone.

“The BSF officials have informed that another 150 personnel will be returning to the state in the coming days. However, we have told them that they should come in phase wise and to strictly follow protocols issued by the health department,” Dr War said.

He said the BSF has been asked to ensure personnel who are staying in rented houses outside should not enter the camp.

“Such personnel staying outside the BSF camp will also be subjected to stringent protocols like any other citizen in the state. Meanwhile, those staying inside the camp are also advised not to come out but only if it is necessary,” he added.

Dr War said that the BSF has assured to take precautionary measures to prevent the spread of the disease.

Meanwhile, the DHS has informed that the SBI bank manager, who was tested positive in East Jaintia Hills recently, has not violated any protocols as alleged earlier.

“After conducting a thorough investigation, it was found that there has been no violation on his part. Since the previous branch he was working at had reported to have a positive case, he was tested in Assam and found to be negative, a certificate on this regard of which was also produced at the Byrnihat. However on reaching Khliehriat, he was asked to quarantine and later found to be positive,” he said.  

Dr War said that the health department has suggested strengthening the checking on entry of private vehicles into the state.