English
New Delhi: Even as the country battles the coronavirus pandemic, and a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the states’ response to the COVID-19 crisis, a war of words broke out between Haryana and Delhi on Monday over issuing of passes to those from Haryana returning after working in Delhi, which, the Haryana government alleged, was leading to the spread of the pandemic in the state.
Speaking to news agency ANI, Haryana Home Minister Anil Vij, who also holds the Health portfolio, said, “Many who work in Delhi and stay in Haryana, are ‘corona-carriers’. I appeal to Delhi CM that stay arrangements of people who work in Delhi should be made in Delhi itself.”
“They shouldn’t be issued passes to travel to Haryana as this is increasing COVID-19 cases here,” he added.
He also said that earlier, several members of the Tablighi Jamaat arrived from Delhi to Haryana and 120 of them tested positive, adding that it was his state that ensured their treatment.
Responding to Vij’s remarks, Delhi Health Minister Satyendra Jain said, “It is not right to say so. Many people in Delhi work in areas along the border of the national capital and vice versa. They will have to commute.”
It is not right to say so. Many people in Delhi work in areas along the border of the national capital and vice versa. They will have to commute: Delhi Health Minister Satyendra Jain on Haryana Min Anil Vij remark, 'Many who work in Delhi&stay in Haryana, are Corona-carriers' pic.twitter.com/K05uYEbkEQ
— ANI (@ANI) April 27, 2020
Notably, three cities in Haryana-Gurgaon, Faridabad and Sonepat-share a border with the national capital. Earlier today, the state government intensified its efforts to seal all interstate borders, especially ones touching Delhi.
While Haryana has thus far recorded 289 cases of coronavirus, including three deaths, Delhi has recorded 2,625 cases, including 54 casualties.
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