Daijiworld Media Network - Dubai (SS)

Panjim, Apr 24: The Goa police entrusted villagers from the border regions with the responsibility of keeping a strict vigil for people from other states trying to enter Goa illegally during the lockdown. It was reported on Wednesday that people from the neighbouring states were attempting to enter the state through internal routes and hidden roads through the forests, in spite of its borders being sealed for outsiders.

Jaspal Singh, the inspector general of police said that since law enforcers cannot be placed everywhere, residents of the border villages have been requested to keep a watch on the borders, for any such activity, like other states have been doing as well. The police further informed the residents that in case they see the same happening, the police should be informed immediately.

Anyone who enters the state without the requisite permission of the Goa government shall be arrested and placed in paid quarantine, CM Pramod Sawant said.

Five people who entered the state from Karnataka with the assistance of boat owners have been placed in paid quarantine by the government.

The last COVID-19 case reported in Goa was on April 3. The state has sealed its borders before the Janata Curfew on March 22. Only drivers of trucks carrying essential commodities, having the required permits are being allowed to enter.

The government has also decided to install sanitizer tunnels at 8 border checkposts across the state. They shall also conduct COVID-19 tests for all those who attempt to enter and only allow entry if they test negative.