JOWAI: In order to contain the spread of coronavirus especially at the international border, the District Magistrate, East Jaintia Hills District has promulgated an order under section 144 CrPC together with Regulation 3 of the Meghalaya Epidemic Diseases , COVID-19 Regulation , 2020 which prohibits the movement of people at the international border with the intention to cross into Bangladesh or sneak into the Indian territory.
The order also prohibits illegal and undesirable activities, smuggling of cattle and contraband goods, betel nut, betel leaves, dry fish, biri, cigarettes, chai patti besides others which may cause spreading of COVID-19.
To prevent such illegal activities and the transmission of COVID-19 at the international border and in order to maintain peace and tranquility in the district the entire international border in East Jaintia Hills which has been sealed will be strictly observed.
He also stated that that the BSF is mandated to prevent trans-border crimes including smuggling in the border belt to ensure that spreading and transmission of Covid-19 from across the border is prevented.
”Reports have been received from BSF that the entire area of 97 BN is prone to smuggling of cattle and contraband goods which may also be the medium of spreading the virus”, the district magistrate said.
Further, he informed using of edged weapons, petrol bombs, crackers and lathi charge against BSF personnel or injury to them on duty or otherwise is prohibited.
Also, movement of persons on foot or vehicle and carriage in public under the border belt from 6 pm to 6 am is strictly prohibited.
However, movement of people within the Indian territory is exempted from the prohibition for the purpose of purchase of essential goods and commodities within the Indian border villages from 10 am to 1 pm.
Govt advisories should be followed
All villages are instructed to utilise the services of the VDP or volunteer in close coordination with the BSF and police to regulate the operation of shops and to also ensure due compliance to the advisories of Government. They are also to ensure that there is no overcrowding in any shop. Plying of vehicles during the relax period is restricted and public are to parked their vehicle at the designated places.
In addition, only one or two member from the family is allowed to come out for purchasing of essential commodities. Shopkeepers are not allowed to sell beyond fixed MRP price and all shops are requested to provide dustbins, to maintain hygiene and cleanliness and not to dump their waste in front of the shop but to dispose the same as per the direction of the village authorities. The Village authorities are requested to cooperate with the district administration and police and to strictly adhere to the health department advisories to maintain social distancing of at least 1 meter from one another.
