Restrict entry of people: KSU

SHILLONG, JULY 15: The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) has demanded the state government to stop entry of people from outside into the state.

This came after the state has witnessed an unprecedented increase in the number of COVID-19 positive cases.

“It is high time that the state government should stop the entry of people from outside into the state,” KSU chief Lambokstar Marngar told reporters on Wednesday.

He said it would be meaningless to impose restrictions on the citizens of the state as long as movement of people from outside into the state is allowed. “The effort to contain the spread of COVID-19 would also be a futile one,” he added.

Marngar said the KSU has also decided to check on people staying in the various quarantine centres on whether they are citizens of the state and if not, the purpose of their visit to the state.

“We have also directed all the units across the Khasi-Jaintia Hills to be vigilant and not allow people from outside the state to enter their respective jurisdiction,” he said adding “Recently, we have seen vegetable vendors from Assam coming to West Khasi Hills District. Are these highly skilled labourers? The government has to wake up from its slumber by pulling up its socks and ensure entry of people from outside is restricted to prevent further spread of the virus.”

Asked, the KSU chief said that the union had also suggested the government to take up with the Centre to ensure transfer and movement of paramilitary forces from outside into the state is also restricted.

“This is because we do not see the urgency of bringing paramilitary forces during this time. Therefore, all transfers of such personnel should be kept in abeyance till the situation improves,” he said.

Nearly 200 BSF jawans have been tested positive for COVID-19 in the state.

By Our Reporter