Himanta Biswa Sarma. Image credit - Twitter

The people of Assam stranded in other states including the Northeast due to lockdown in view of COVID19 now can return to the state, announced health minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday.

Addressing a press conference in Guwahati, health minister Sarma said to facilitate the stranded people in their return to Assam, a new helpline number has been opened.

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“State Government has released a new helpline number – 7428159966 – to facilitate the return of stranded people,” Sarma said.

“Those stranded outside Assam can give a missed call and they will receive a link on their respective numbers within 48 hours after using the helpline,” said Sarma.

He also said when they fill up a form that they get by clicking on it the process will begin for their return. They will get intimation later.

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The health minister also informed that to ease the stranded people’s return, the borders with other states of the Northeast, except Sikkim, will remain open from Sunday.

He also said no pass will be required for the people travelling from those states.

“Assam borders with all NE states except Sikkim to open from tomorrow to ease the return of stranded people. No pass is required for people travelling from these states,” said Sarma.

However, he made it clear that all the people returning to the state will be screened at the inter-state borders for COVID19.

“All returnees to be screened at inter-state borders for COVID symptoms,” said Sarma.

The minister said the people who are willing to return to Assam using their personal vehicles or conveyances need to send their details to the government at [email protected] to get passes.