Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, May 9: Udhhav Thackeray, chief minister of Maharashtra said on Friday that the state government may seek the deployment of central reserve forces in the state to give the overworked policemen a break. He further denied having any plan to deploy the army in Mumbai.
Considering that many of the police personnel have been working under enormous stress and pressure for over two months, the CM said that it is important to provide some relief to such overworked workers. As of now, 618 policemen of the state have been affected by the coronavirus.
He added that doctors, nurses, revenue officials and the police are working under strain. Police officers are continuously on patrol and get tired. While some have died trying to maintain safety, others are falling ill. Hence, it is important that they get a break. They may request the Centre for additional manpower if the police are to be given rest in phases. However, this does not mean they shall approach the army.
Uddhav, through his webcast, told the citizens that they, in fact, are the soldiers fighting the coronavirus. They are fighting with patience and grit. The army, thus, will not be needed in Mumbai.
He further said that the lockdown has acted as a 'speed breaker' and has slowed the spread of the disease. However, the chain has not been broken yet. In order to fully get rid of the disease, the citizens must cooperate with the lockdown restrictions. Failing to follow these only means extending the crisis.
Talking about the incident at Aurangabad where 16 migrants were killed after a train ran over them, the CM said that he is pained, and assured the migrant population that special trains have been arranged and further advised them not to panic.
On the incident at Sion hospital, Mumbai, treating COVID-19 patients next to corpses, Uddhav warned doctors against action if any negligence is found in the hospitals. He compared doctors and policemen to God and said that while no one should attack or fight with them, it is important that they, too, show no negligence on their part.