Aizawl, Apr 18 (IANS): As many as 47 foreign nationals are stranded in Mizoram while over 2,400 people from the hill state are stranded in different parts of the country due to the nationwide lockdown imposed in the wake of the novel coronavirus outbreak, officials said on Saturday.
According to Mizoram Additional Secretary (Home Department) Pu Laldawngliana, 47 foreigners are stuck in Mizoram while over 2,400 people from the state are stranded in different parts of the country due to the countrywide lockdown.
"The stranded people from Mizoram in various parts of the country are likely to be more than or near 2,500 as the government is getting new information almost everyday," Laldawngliana told IANS over phone.
Deputy Inspector General of Mizoram Police, John Neihlaia, said the foreign nationals stranded in Mizoram included tourists, footballers and relatives of Mizoram residents.
"These foreign nationals came to Mizoram with valid passports and visas before the enforcement of the nationwide lockdown from March 24 midnight," the IPS officer told IANS over phone.
Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga had earlier said that around 445 people from different states are stranded in the state due to the countrywide lockdown. The Chief Minister said that the state government has been providing all possible assistance, including food, to these people, who have been lodged at various relief camps.
He said the state government is in close contact with its counterparts in other states to provide accommodation and food to the hundreds of Mizos who are stranded in different parts of the country due to the lockdown.
During a meeting held earlier this week, Zoramthanga asked the Assam Rifles and Border Security Force officials to further tighten security along the state's borders with Myanmar and Bangladesh.
According to Mizoram Health Minister R. Lalthangliana, the lone Covid-19 patient in the state being treated at the Zoram Medical College in Aizawl since last month is showing good progress.
The 50-year old man had returned to Aizawl from the Netharlands via Delhi and Guwahati on March 16.