Jammu, Mar 24 (IANS): Amid the coronavirus epidemic, the 'Madadgar' (good Samaritans) team of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) is working with the J&K administration to contain Covid-19's spread.
It's 24x7 helpline number 144411 is also helping people get medicines and other essential items in the hour of need. It's also trying to make people aware of the lockdown norms as well as not to indulge in panic buying and to venture out of their homes to avoid getting infected.
Covid-19 has, so far, claimed 10 lives and infected over 500 across the country.
In J&K, there has been three coronavirus suspects. Of this, one has tested positive and is being treated.
"Help India fight corona by staying at home," the Madadgar tweeted. "CRPF personnel risk their lives away from families so that you can be safe with yours."
In another message, the Madadgar team appealed: "Do not resort to panic buying or overcrowding. For any assistance with regard to medicines or essential items call @CRPFmadadgaar on 14411."
The helpline was the brainchild of CRPF Inspector General (Operations) Zulfiquar Hasan as long spells of curfew had become routine in Kashmir in 2016 due to the widespread violence following the killing of Burhan Wani, a terrorist.
The initiative, started in January 2017, has many success stories and has attracted huge appreciations. The Madadgar team also helped Kashmiries by providing medicines, arranging blood for patients, and resolving disputes.
Gul Junaid Khan, in-charge of the 'Madadgar' unit, told IANS over phone the team had been receiving various help calls regarding Covid-19 and was providing all possible assistance.
"The CRPF Madadgar has been receiving calls, such as people seeking assistance in supply of food and other essential items like medicines. We have also received calls for blood donations. The CRPF has provided all possible assistance in each case," Khan said.
"On March 17, Rubeena, a mother of three kid suffering from chronic kidney disease, needed four units of blood. Her family contacted CRPF Madadgaar. Rising to the occassion, Shub Barta Pandey, Karamveer, K. Basuraj and Rakesh Kumar Yadav (all constables ) of the 115 Battalion donated the blood," he said.
The CRPF units are also helping in sanitation drives across the Valley.