Meghalaya: Over 12,000 return to state, govt warns action against quarantine violation

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJune 3, 2020

With over 12,000 stranded people have returned to the state, the state government has yet again warned of stern action against those who violate mandatory quarantine.

“Action shall be taken if mandatory quarantine is violated. We will be left with no option but to book such violators as per law,” Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong told reporters on Wednesday.

He said this will be the last warning to be given by the state government to all quarantined people.

His statement came as a reaction to a query on complaints from some of the dorbar shnongs about violation by quarantined people especially those who returned from different parts of the country recently.

Tynsong informed that a total of 12,400 stranded people including students have returned to the state as on Wednesday.

All returnees have been asked to strictly follow 28 days of quarantine (14 days being mandatory). According to the Deputy CM, the returnees should not take things lightly as they have to understand protocols have to be followed for the safety of the state and its citizens.

In its order passed on May 27, the Meghalaya High Court has asked the state government to caution the public about adhering to the quarantine advisories and the consequences for violation of the same.

The court had stated one aspect which deserves urgent consideration is the measures to be taken for persons especially the returnees to the state who are in home quarantine, who are to be made aware as to the crucial importance of adhering to the protocols as prescribed.

With regard to any violation of the quarantine protocol, it also felt necessary that such persons be also made aware of the consequences and the repercussions under the law.