CRPF leads in the fight against Covid-19

Dimapur, May 2 (EMN):At a time when people from all walks of life are affected by the nationwide lockdown due to outbreak of Covid-19, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) is helping the states manage internal security, enforce lockdown and at the same time reach out to the vulnerable sections.

A PIB report stated that out of its eight battalions, six are deployed in Manipur and two in Nagaland and are performing multifarious tasks such as static guard duty, VIP security duty, ROP and IOCL/ FCI convoy protection duty and guarding Railway projects and other vital installations in both the states. Besides, CRPF have procured PPEs, grocery, condiments, ration items, medicines for enhancing immunity power and other equipment which are needed by the poor and needy to combat and contain transmission of Covid-19.

In Manipur, the battalions have distributed protection gears including gloves, masks and PPE to 15,840 persons, sanitiser, soaps and other sanitary items to 9,187 persons, food items, ration items and condiments to 8,430.

In Nagaland, CRPF have distributed gloves, masks and PPE to 10,826 personnel, sanitiser, soaps and other sanitary items to 13,972 persons, food items/ ration items and condiments to 32,793 persons.

The report also stated that besides using the government funds meant for civic action, CRPF personnel posted in the two states have contributed INR 6,60,516 voluntarily for distribution of above items to the people.

It also stated that battalion vehicles are being provided for transportation of Covid-19 related medicines, equipment and for food/ ration supplies. It said available ambulance is placed at Dimapur at the disposal of state authorities to meet the medical emergencies, while CRPF men are deployed at Mao gate, border area of Manipur and Nagaland, to help the healthcare workers of civil administration to screen transients passing through the gate.

CRPF has also voluntarily provided water through its water tankers to the interior and far flung villages of Manipur and Nagaland with the aim of restricting movement of people in lockdown. To facilitate medical fraternity of Dimapur civil hospital to carry out Covid-19 related tests, improvised structure has been created by the CRPF troops. In order to contain spreading of Covid-19, regular fogging as well as spraying of disinfectant are being done by all CRPF establishments in surrounding areas.

Medical camp was organised at Chümoukedima to sensitise people and create awareness amongst them about Covid-19 and educate them to adopt safety and precautionary measures as per instructions of the government. It added that efforts made by the personnel, in collaboration with civil administration, to fight against Covid-19 reaped a good result of achieving Covid-19 free status for both Manipur and Nagaland states.

On May 2, personnel from 78 battalion CRPF organised a civic action programme at Chazou colony, Lerie Hills, Kohima, and distributed ration items, sanitisers, masks etc. to those who are struggling to earn a single meal a day.
The troops distributed 700 kg rice, 140 kg dal and other essentials and preventive items to the residents in the presence of Syamchand De, DIGP (OPS) Kohima; PK Mishra, second in-charge; sub-ordinate office and men.

Speaking at the programme, Syamchand De stated that such gestures would built stronger bond between the villagers and security personnel. He further advised the residents to take active part in the fight against the disease and strictly follow all preventive measures.