1,000 people put on quarantine in Samba

Close to a 1,000 people, mostly Kashmiris, have been brought to the Radha Swami Satsang centre in Samba, which has been converted into a quarantine centre in the wake of the corona virus outbreak in Jammu region.

Most of the inmates put in this facility, mainly labourers, were on their way to Kashmir from Delhi and other north Indian states. Some of them have walked long distances after the outbreak of the disease to reach their hometowns when they were brought here.

The inmates alleged that they are facing many hardships and the facilities at the center are inadequate.

"We are not getting proper bedding and are forced to sleep under the open sky," said Muzammil, one of the inmates.

Another inmate, who didn't wish to be named, alleged that people are gathering together in groups and there is no concept of social distancing.

"Social distancing is a myth as far as this quarantine facility is concerned. Large groups of people move together to collect their meals. God forbid if even one person is corona positive here, it will have grave consequences," he said.

The inmates alleged that there is a constant fear of stray dogs which roam around during the nights while they are sleeping.

Meanwhile, speaking to IANS, Samba DC Rohit Khajuria said that close to 3,000 people have been put in nine quarantine centres across Samba district.

He said the administration is doing its best to make their stay comfortable.

"The only problem is that the people band together in groups without bothering about social distancing," Khajuria said.

He said that most of the inmates demand that they be sent to their homes. IANS