Meghalaya ready to receive its stranded people, albeit at own cost

Shillong: The Meghalaya Cabinet on Thursday decided to allow people of the state stranded outside the Northeast states to return if they can manage their own transportation.

Deputy chief minister Prestone Tynsong informed that the state is ready to receive people stranded outside the Northeastern states from May 11.

“We are ready to receive the people who can manage the transportation on their own from any part of the state outside NE from May 11, Monday onwards. The only request made by the government is they need to inform the nodal officer well in advance before entering the state because certain protocols have to be strictly followed,” said Tynsong.

Tynsong informed that as for those who cannot arrange their own transportation, Meghalaya chief minister Conrad K Sangma has taken up the matter with the home minister, railway minister, and aviation minister.

Tynsong informed that the government is still putting pressure on the government of India to provide a special flight or train for the people staying in different places within India.

Leaving a message for the people, Tynsong said, “Please don’t lose hope, please be patient with the government, we are trying our best and we will keep doing that and personally request wherever they are to cooperate with us. Bear with is we will never leave you alone wherever you are.”

Meanwhile, Tynsong informed that so far 1,680 people stranded in parts of Northeast have been received. Out of the 3,000 who registered, altogether 1,680 have entered the state. Tynsong informed that the remaining 1,320 will probably reach home by Saturday or Sunday.