Arrangements on for smooth return of stranded persons to J&K: Nodal Officer

Jammu : The J&K authorities Friday said the arrangements are being made for the return of persons stranded outside J&K in an orderly manner and adhering to the norms of social distancing.
In a statement, Nodal officer for movement of stranded persons of J&K, said that norms of social distancing and undertaking testing are being ensured so as to ensure that timely action is taken to prevent any spread of Covid-19 in the UT of J&K.
He said after the announcement made by the Ministry of Home Affairs on April 29, 2020 of allowing movement of stranded persons with certain conditions, the Government has issued a SOP on April 30, 2020.
“Further, Government of J&K has collected details of stranded persons who wish to return to J&K by providing web links for registration. Arrangements are being made for their arrival in an orderly manner while adhering to the norms of social distancing and undertaking testing so as to ensure that timely action is taken to prevent any spread of Covid-19 in the UT of J&K”.
He said approximately 30,000 persons have entered the UT, with proper regulation, from Lakhanpur.
“During the period, migrant workers, students and stranded persons from the States of Himachal Pradesh and Punjab have already returned to J&K” he said adding that the stranded persons in the States/UTs of Haryana, Uttarakhand, Chandigarh and Delhi have been permitted to return, in a regulated manner, with effect from May 07, 2020 and this process will continue for a week. ‘Simultaneously, train services are being arranged for stranded persons of J&K, particularly from far off places, he informed and added that these trains will start arriving shortly.
‘Necessary coordination with the sending states as also with the Railway authorities is going on” he added and cautioned that nobody should move in a hurry without passes issued with the consent of J&K Government as else he/ she will be quarantined for 21 days at Kathua.
He said the Government has decided to bear the cost of tickets and the returnees will not need to make any payments for their return journey by train.
“The UT of J&K has taken umpteen measures for controlling the spread of Covid-19, with frontline workers working untiringly. In this backdrop, it is necessary that the return is managed such that these efforts do not get adversely affected”, he said and added “The Government reassures all the stranded persons of J&K that it is taking every possible step for their early return to their homes.”
The Nodal Officer said the Government is fully aware of the details of the stranded persons of J&K at various places across the country, not only through the web links started by the Government of J&K but also from the data shared by the sending States/UTs. “Immediately on finalization of arrangements, they shall be notified about the issuance of passes and travel details. In case any difficulties are being faced at the current place of their stay, they may contact the helpline numbers that have been publicized by the Government so that they are facilitated,” he added.