GANGTOK, March 24 - In a letter to Sikkim Health Minister MK Sharma, a group of 60 students from the State, who have been left stranded due to the COVID-19 outbreak in an educational institution at Komarapallyam, Erode, in Tamil Nadu, have urged the Government for succour. They stated that the institution has suspended classes and almost all students from nearby States have returned home.
�We have been taking precautions as per experts and most of us have decided to stay put where we are, at the moment. But we are extremely anxious and in need of immediate help,� said the students.
A total shutdown is being observed at Erode and Komarapallyam till March 31. Meanwhile, responding to the appeal of the students, Jacob Khaling, Political Secretary to the Chief Minister, has assured the students of all possible help.
�On behalf of the Government of Sikkim, I would like to inform everyone that Health Minister MK Sharma as well as myself, telephonically talked to an aggrieved student. We heard their problems and assured them of all possible help from our end,� he said.
He further assured that according to convenience and situation at hand, the Government would arrange to get them back by train or flight. Once they reach Sikkim, they will be taken to the quarantine centre at Assam Linzey, East Sikkim, and kept for at least 15 days where they will be kept under observation with proper medical facilities. After the completion of the period, they will be allowed to go under proper scrutiny.
He stated that Chief Minister PS Tamang has taken the decision and directed the Health Minister and the Additional Chief Secretary of Education to oversee that these directives are fulfilled and that these students reach the State safely and under proper medical restrictions.
