Objections raised to 'by train' idea
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 06 2020:
The State's plan to bring back stranded people from cities across the country by train is being met with different obstacles in procuring the necessary permits from some States, said a highly placed source in the Government today.
Even though the State Cabinet has decided to bear the train fare of the stranded people, some of the States are not willing to give the green light due to the 'risks' associated with the evacuation method, said the source.
"The trains with stranded people will be travelling through many areas designated as red zones in their courses toward the nearest station to Manipur.
It is a risky evacuation plan," the source said adding the Government's plan to evacuate State natives from Delhi is being stalled as Delhi Government is not willing to give the permit.
However, the Government is in talks with the States concerned to come to an agreement and get the required permits, the source informed adding a team led by an Additional Chief Secretary will be visiting Jiribam tomorrow to take up necessary preparation for effecting the evacuation plan.
It may be noted that the State had approached the Centre and Railways for evacuation of State natives stranded in cities across the country.
Meanwhile, Health Department has conducted COVID-19 test on 49 out of 115 brought back from different North-East States today.
They have been found negative for COVID-19 and the rest are awaiting tests, said sources.