Mizoram has intensified security and screening along inter-state and international borders following the surge in COVID-19 cases in neighbouring states and countries, an official said on Sunday.
Mizoram shares inter-state boundaries with Assam, Manipur and Tripura and also 722 km international border with Bangladesh and Myanmar.
Kolasib district deputy commissioner H Lalthlangliana said screening is being maintained strictly at two entry points – Vairengte and Bairabi along the Mizoram-Assam border where entry of only essential commodities is allowed.
“All drivers and handyman, who transported essential commodities are being screened carefully and commodities are sanitized as per convenient,” he said.
Also read: Mizoram has enough stock of PPEs: Official
He added that only those essential commodities, which obtained prior permission from state Home department are allowed to enter the State.
He said a sizeable numbers of policemen assisted by local volunteers have been deployed 24×7 in at least 63 points along the Mizoram-Assam border to prevent intrusion from Assam.
Of the 63 entry gates, 43 are reachable by foot, he said.
He said the district administration has not reported illegal intrusion from the neighbouring State till date.
According to the deputy commissioner, at least 50 people from Mizoram, who attempted to cross border without permission, have been apprehended and were quarantined at a designated quarantine facility in Thingdawl near Kolasib town.
Security has also been tightened along the Mizoram-Tripura border after a man in Tripura’s Damchera has been found infected with COVID-19.
Also read: Locally made sanitizers need test to meet safety standard: Mizoram government
Official sources said on Sunday that disinfectant (sodium hypocloride) was sprayed at Langkaih bridge connecting Mizoram with Tripura and Medili bridge on Mizoram-Assam border on Saturday.
The sources also said that at least 120 volunteers from Kanhmun village have been deployed along with policemen at entry point at Kanhmun on the Mizoram-Tripura border.
Transport minister T J Lalnuntluanga also expressed concern about the safety of drivers and other workers involved in the import and supply of food and other essential commodities.
He said that they should be given utmost care because they are at high risk as much as those health workers and security personnel.