In view of the rising number of Covid-19 cases in Mizoram and other Northeastern states include CPMF personnel, Mizoram CM Zoramthanga had recently urged PM Narendra Modi to ensure the suspension of CPMF movement in Mizoram till August 31.
Hemanta Kumar Nath: The Assam Rifles has accused the Mizoram government for violating guidelines of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) by denying entry to armed forces in the state.
Assam Rifles said in a statement that the Mizoram government denying entry to armed forces in the state clearly violates directions of the MHA, which has serious implications for the national security and is a cause of grave concern. Assam Rifles stated that it is not acceptable as the people of Mizoram fear crossing over of Myanmar nationals on the Indian side and the spread of Covid-19 in the state.
“The restriction imposed by Mizoram on the operational movement of Assam Rifles is seriously hampering the smooth functioning of the force impacting the primary task of border guarding,” the Assam Rifles said in the statement.
The Assam Rifles statement also stated, “There has been a continuous violation/dilution of orders of MHA by the state government by restricting entry of armed forces in the state by not allowing entry to Assam Rifles in the state which is not happening in any part of the country except Mizoram.”
“Assam Rifles has not caused any community spread in the state and has been managing its Covid-19 patients at its own quarantine centre at Zokhawsang and also not caused any burden, dependency on the state government. The state government had been approached numerous times and requested to pass suitable instructions at Vairangte entry gate and all other entry points to allow move of armed forces unobstructed. Assam Rifles has always assured the state government that all of its personnel entering the state will be put through the mandatory Covid-19 quarantine protocols under the arrangements by the force. Assam Rifles has never denied to undergo any medical test by state medical authorities and in this particular incident, Assam Rifles personnel were not asked to undergo any medical test,” said in the statement.
In view of the rising number of Covid-19 cases in Mizoram and other Northeastern states include the Central Para Military Forces (CPMF) personnel, Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga had recently urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to ensure the suspension of CPMF movement in Mizoram till August 31.
The Mizoram Chief Minister claimed that around 70 per cent of Covid-19 cases in the state are coming from the armed forces personnel.
The Mizoram government wrote a letter to DIG of 23 sector Assam Rifles saying at least 15 personnel of the 46 battalion refused to comply with the entry and medical screening protocol at the border entry point at Vairengte and forced their way through the check gate into Mizoram on August 18.
“It is unfortunate that, rogue behaviour by the Assam Rifles personnel has occurred at a time when the state is struggling to cope with the high rate rising Covid-19 cases and to contain community spread, and hence is extremely cautious of incoming persons, residents as well as non-residents,” said in the Mizoram government letter issued by Zahmingthanga, Under Secretary of Mizoram Home Department.
Mizoram has so far reported 895 cases of Covid-19 including 402 patients who have been discharged from hospitals. The state now has a total of 493 active Covid-19 cases. Source:indiatoday
