Mawsynram MLA demands border villagers be tested for COVID 19

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMay 17, 2020

Congress legislator from Mawsynram Himalaya Shangpliang has demanded the state government to conduct COVID-19 test of villagers residing along the international border with Bangladesh.

This came following a positive case was reported from Dhormopur village under Boglabazar police station in Sunamganj district of Bangladesh. 

Dhormopur is located about 500 metres away from Ryngku bazar under Mawsynram Block in East Khasi Hills District. 

Shangpliang said the information about the case was passed on by the BSF Company Commander of the Ryngku BOP. 

He said in view of the proximity of the village where a positive case has been reported, it is mandatory that all protocols relating to safeguarding the people from the spread of the disease has to be enforced. 

The MLA also said that he has informed the Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma about this case and requested the government to immediately conduct random tests of the villagers living along the international border with Bangladesh. 

According to him, these tests will enable the health department to make a survey of the villages and also prevent the villagers from contracting the disease. 

Shangpliang has suggested Ryngku, Sonatola and Dangar villages for conducting immediate tests. 

“Although, the government has announced that the international border has been sealed, the border is very porous and therefore there is continuous exchange of essential commodities across the border even during the lockdown,” the Congress leader said.

He said recently, the villagers from Cherakata and other adjoining villages heard firing from the BOP of the BSF at night. 

“It was later reported that firing resorted was to chase Bangladeshis who tried to sneak into India. Therefore it cannot be ruled out that our villages are safe from the effects of the pandemic in Bangladesh,” he added.

Shangpliang further requested the Home Minister Lakmen Rymbui to immediately call for meeting with the DG of Police and IG BSF to take stock of the situation along the international border in view of the recent rise of the number of cases in Bangladesh. 

He also alleged that the government’s action on the suggestions made by him is yet to be seen on the ground.