MLA calls for tests of border villagers

SHILLONG: Detection of a COVID-19 positive case in a Bangladesh village, just about 500 metres away from one under Mawsynram Block of East Khasi Hills district, has set alarm bells ringing with the local MLA, H M Shangpliang, requesting the government to immediately conduct random tests of villagers living along the border with the neighbouring country.
The positive case has been reported from Dhormopur village under Boglabazar Police Station in Sunamganj district of Bangladesh. This village is only 500 metres away from Ryngku bazar under Mawsynram Block.
The information was passed on by the BSF Company Commander of the Ryngku BOP following which Shangpliang informed the Chief Minister, Conrad Sangma.
Given the proximity of the affected village, it is mandatory that all protocols to safeguard the people from the spread of the disease are enforced, Shangpliang said.
The MLA has suggested that tests be conducted immediately on residents of Ryngku, Sonatola and Dangar villages.
These tests will enable the health department carry out a survey of the villages and also prevent the villagers from contracting the disease.
Although the government has announced that the international border has been sealed, it remains very porous and there is continuous exchange of essential commodities between both sides even during the lockdown, Shangpliang said.
He said recently, residents of Cherakata and other adjoining villages heard sound of gunshots from the BOP of the BSF at night. It was later reported that the firing was to chase away 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”, the MLA said while asking the Home Minister, Lakmen Rymbui, to immediately call for a meeting with the state DGP and IG, BSF to take stock of the situation along the international border in view of the reported rise in the number of COVID-19 cases in Bangladesh.