Over 100 local churches from various denominations in Mizoram have offered their halls to the state government to be used as a quarantine facility.
This has been done with the aim to ease the shortage in quarantine centre faced by the state government, an official of the task group on quarantine facility said.
Ready for a challenge? Click here to take our quiz and show off your knowledge!
The official seeking anonymity said that the government had earlier requested various churches, including Presbyterian Church, the largest denomination in the state and Baptist Church of Mizoram for requisition of halls for the accommodation of people returning from outside the state.
He said that a total of 101 local churches belonging to three denominations have voluntarily allowed the government to use their church halls for quarantine centre till Sunday.
Of the 101 churches, 75 belong to Presbyterian Church, 15 from Baptist Church of Mizoram (Aizawl), 6 from the Salvation Army (Aizawl) and 5 from Baptist Church of Mizoram (Lunglei), he said.
Ready for a challenge? Click here to take our quiz and show off your knowledge!
Apart from these, the Presbyterian Church also lent synod conference hall and revival camping centre at Durtlang locality for quarantine facility, he said.
According to the official, the Roman Catholic will also hold a meeting on Monday to consider the government’s request.
He said that apart from lending their halls, some local churches also provide foods, free wife and library to the inmates.
He said that Chanmari locality in Aizawl also agreed to hire a hotel for quarantine facility for people, who have no room for home quarantine at its locality.
At present, there are 182 designated quarantine facilities in the state with a total capacity of 4,172.
Of the 182 centres, 21 are in Aizawl district, 4 in Champhai district, 18 in Hnahthial district, 19 in Khawzawl district, 14 in Kolasib district, 15 in Lawngtlai district, 16 in Lunglei district, 17 in Mamit district, 29 in Saitual district, 22 in Serchhip district and 10 in Siaha district.
The official said that the government would also notify State Institute of Rural Development and ICFAI University hostel at Durtlang in Aizawl and six other centres in Lawngtlai district.
Meanwhile, Aizawl Venghnuai Presbyterian church secretary C. Lalramliana said that they are happy to extend help to the government in lending their hall for quarantine facilities.
“It is a question of humanity at this time of crisis and if the government make a request for requisition, we have no reason to oppose but wholeheartedly give our church hall,” he said.
He said that at least 8 inmates are currently put under quarantine at Venghnuai church hall and the YMA branch has installed free Wifi and library for the inmates.
On Thursday, a total of 884 people stranded in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry had returned to the state.
Officials said that more than 10,000 people, who are stranded in different parts of the state, are yet to return.