SHILLONG: The blatant violation of health protocols and the free movement of Border Security Force (BSF) in Hat Shella have raised concern despite the rising numbet of cases of COVID-19 within the force.
In a statement issued here, the president of Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) Shella unit, Pynkmenlang Sanmiet said the union was baffled as the BSF personnel were moving freely in Shella and seen not adhering to health protocols issued by the government in relation to COVID-19.
He criticised the BSF personnel for their carelessness. The BSF personnel were seen without any masks which is a health risk considering the rise in COVID-19 cases.
Stating that the COVID-19 has affected most of the BSF personnel, Sanmiet said, “It is surprising and frightening that the BSF personnel are moving about and buying materials in Hat Shella not following any of the health protocol”.
He further said that most of the BSF personnel who visited Shella and its adjoining areas were from the COVID-19 affected camps.
“To protect the public, the BSF should refrain from moving around flouting government protocols. We do not know who is a potential carrier”, he said.
The union has urged the district administration to act on this to ensure that the public are safe and the union has also appealed to the residents to be on their guard.