Stranded people will be brought in two phases: Meghalaya CM Sangma

Shillong: Meghalaya has decided to bring its stranded people back home in phases. In the first phase, all those stuck in the region, in other states of the northeast would be brought back. People from the rest of the country would be brought in the second phase.

"Movement of people stranded outside their home states have begun. We decided to break it into two phases. In the first phase, we would be facilitating the movement of people within the northeast, from states like Assam and other states of Northeast," Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma said in his message through Facebook Live.

The state is expecting to receive over 3000 people from different states of northeast, maximum from Assam.

The chief minister said that all arrangements for proper screening of every individual have been put in place at all the four entry points and a team of doctors, health officials and security personnel have been placed at each of these points.

"We are following very strict measures while these individuals come back into the state. They have to mandatorily register. Already 2000 have registered. Registration facilities are also available at the entry points. Those who do not have a phone or smartphone can register at these entry points," the chief minister said.

The four entry points are -- Byrnihat, Ratachera (East Jaintia Hills), Bajindoba (North Garo hills), and Tikrikila (West Garo Hills).

"Strict protocols will be followed. Everybody would be screened. Depending on the outcome they would be either sent to the isolation centre or Corona care centre. Those not showing any symptoms have to go for home quarantine," he said.

The state is expecting over 15000 people to return to the state in the coming days.

The chief minister appealed to all to cooperate and support the government at this hour of crisis. He said that though a large number of people would be coming in, there is no need to be scared but everyone should be careful.

"These people are our own people. These are our children, our brothers, our sisters. Because of the situation and circumstances, they got stuck outside...We need to ensure that we support all of them in this difficult phase," the chief minister said.

The headmen, the Rangbah Shnongs have been entrusted the responsibility to ensure that every individual coming into the state follows the quarantine norms, and the entire family is quarantined.

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