Sikkim Fences Border along Rangpo to Check Unauthorized Infiltration amid Corona Crisis

Rangpo, April 8, 2020:

Sikkim has fenced the porous border along the river bank of Rangpo to check unauthorised infiltration in the area in the wake of COVID-19 threat.

The vulnerable areas of Hathicheray, Khamdong, Agrigaon, Aritar and Reshi have been secured with concertina wire fence to check the illegal cross border infiltration. The exercise was carried out under the supervision of ASP East.

Rangpo, in East Sikkim district, links the State to Siliguri and Gangtok. Sikkim has been lately taking preventive measures to protect its people from the coronavirus infection. The Rangpo fencing is another such effort to help cope with distancing from other areas in the wake of the COVID-19 disaster.

It may be mentioned here that Sikkim has not yet reported any positive case of COVID-19 so far. The State has also received reports of a few citizens participating in the Tablighi Jamaat at Nizamuddin Markaz.

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Sikkim authorities have appealed to the members of the Muslim community to cooperate with the Government and inform if anyone had visited the Tablighi Jamaat at Nizamuddin Markaz in Delhi or had a travel history to the national capital.

Additionally, Additional Chief Secretary and Principal Secretary of the Education department, G P Upadhyaya on Tuesday signaled at schools and colleges remaining shut for a longer period post the 21-day lockdown.

Upadhyaya shared that it seems that the state won't be able to re-open its schools immediately after the end of the lockdown period. "There is still a chance of infection, especially among students, so we had a talk among our officers and also had a meeting with concerned Minister. More or less, we are planning not to open schools and regarding the same, we will observe the situation in the coming days and we will take the decision accordingly", he said adding that schools will probably be shut for the remainder of the month.

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Upadhyaya also shared that looking at the present scenario, the administration has taken initiative for alternative modes of education. "We have even started online education through the Sikkim Edu Tech app and our teachers are using digital platforms to teach the students", he added.

"At present a total of 145 schools are registered with us for online classes but we will try to bring more schools under online classes through the mobile application", he further informed.

G P Upadhyaya, talking on the lines of the students from the State who are stranded elsewhere, said, "We will abide by Government instructions completely; if they are allowed to come back. If they are allowed to come back, what are the conditions? Will they be asked to stay in home quarantine for a period of 14 days?"

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It is pertinent to mention here that many of the students have appealed the Government to help them so that they can return to their homestate amidst the lockdown. Videos have been posted on social media carrying appeal messages to the concerned authorities to ensure them a safe passage home.

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