The report of 15 personnel of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) testing positive for Covid-19 is alarming for the state. Many of these personnel had returned to the state after performing duties related to cyclone Amphan in West Bengal. It is a matter of serious concern to know that many of the returnees were not tested for Covid-19 as per the laid down norms of the state government. The government of Arunachal had made it compulsory for anyone returning to the state to go for mandatory institutional quarantine and also test for Covid-19.
But it seems the NDRF as well as the GREF are not following the laid down norms. The paramilitary posted in the state mostly operate in civilian areas. They constantly interact with the civilian population. Therefore, the onus lies with them to strictly follow the standard operating procedure (SOP) laid down by the state government. If they do not cooperate with the SOP, the state government should write to the higher authorities and bring it to their notice. Their failure to follow the SOP can lead to disaster in the state. The NDRF is very active in this season. With monsoon in full swing, they are always in demand for rescue. Also, they have been carrying out sanitization activities. Therefore they should have been very careful. The same goes for the GREF and other paramilitary forces.