NNN | Shillong, July 15: In a bid to contain the spread of Covid-19, the Inspector General, Border Security Force (BSF), Shillong, Kuldeep Saini has issued necessary directions to all BSF units not to frequently change troops at the Border Outposts and not to stop the BSF vehicles in populated areas while moving to the border.
Saini issued the directions based on a letter sent by the Mawsynram MLA, Himalaya Shangpliang who had urged for restraint in bringing in fresh forces from outside the State especially into the border outposts falling under his constituency at least until the Covid-19 pandemic subsides.
Stating that that Mawsynram has many Border Outposts being manned by the BSF all along the Indi-Bangla border from Dangar village to Hatmawdon, Shangpliang said , “It is understood that it is routine for the BSF jawans to be shifted on roster duties very frequently in these outposts and fresh replacements are being brought in from outside.”
He however said that this exercise has caused a wave of panic among the citizens of the area especially as many of the BSF jawans and their families have been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic recently.
He also said that that the movement of the BSF trucks and jawans all along the road from Mawsynram to the border areas should be restricted since the jawans are in the habit of alighting from their vehicles to have tea and snacks in the local tea stalls along the route, thus causing fear and panic to the villagers.
Saini in response today also said that the movement of vehicles will also be restricted.
“I also want to apprise you that BSF personnel returning from leave are quarantined for 14 days at designated quarantine centres and after getting a negative results of RT-PCR test report they are allowed to perform duties,” he said.
He maintained that it is to be appreciated that even during this pandemic, the BSF has to guard the border to avoid illegal crossing and other unlawful activities in that area.
Stating that for operational and administrative duties make it such that the troops have to move, he, however, said that troops stationed there have also been asked to strictly follow Covid-19 protocol.