Special Correspondent
SILCHAR: In view of the most disturbing developments and fall out in the wake of the returnees from New Delhi and Ajmer, North East Linguistic and Ethnic Coordination Committee (NELECC) of Barak Valley has in a letter to Chief Minister Sabananda Sonowal submitted through the Deputy Commissioner of Cachar Keerthi Jally on Thursday demanded setting up of quarantine centres at Jellalpore tea estate and Daloo tea estate, the two main entry points to the district from other states. The demand has been raised following reports that around one lakh people stranded outside will be returning to their native places not only of Barak Valley but also of the neighbouring states of Tripura, Mizoram and Manipur.
As this valley is a gateway to the neighbouring states and the people will pass through it, there is enough justification for quarantine centres at the strategic locations for proper screening. They will travel by road and rail to reach their destinations. The return of 42 passengers from Ajmer straight to their homes made an upswing in positive cases from zero to 10 overnight which jolted the administration and created panic among people in general. The proposed quarantine centres can also be used for medical checkups. Moreover, being located distantly from the madding crowd, it will be safe.
NELECC is of the view that the quarantine centre at Jellalpore will screen bus passengers coming through Meghalaya and the Daloo through Haflong routes. Air borne passengers alighting at Kumbhirgram airport can also be screened at Daloo. Accommodation can be made for 1000 people. Besides, another screening centre can be arranged at Chandranathpore station for railway passengers. Presently, there are 12 quarantine centres in and around the district headquarters. NELECC admits this is no doubt a daunting task for the state and the district administration, but the proposals can be weighed. The committee also pleads for mandatory swab test for passengers at the entry points.