By Siraj Khan, Nepalgunj, May 15: As thousands of Nepalis were stranded in India and thousands of Indians were stranded in Nepal following the nationwide lockdown implemented by both the governments to combat COVID-19, both the government have agreed to send the stranded Indians and Nepalis to their respective countries.

As per the agreement held between Banke District Administration Office and Baharaich District Administration of India, nationals of both the countries were sent to their respective homes, informed Hari Pyakurel, assistant Chief District Officer of Banke.

According to Pyakurel, 687 Nepalis of 47 districts had entered Nepal from Jamunah border point until 11 PM on Wednesday. Likewise, 1,483 Indians were sent back to India.

Those who entered Nepal on Wednesday night have been kept in no man's land. The Banke District Police Office has said that Rapid Diagnostic Test of the returnees was being done from Friday morning.

"People will be kept in quarantine on the basis of result of RDT. Banke residents who test negative for the virus in RDT will be sent back to their homes," informed Shiva Bahadur Singh, Deputy Superintendent of Banke District Police Office.

The returnees belonging to other district will be sent to their respective districts by adopting necessary health protocol, he added.

The Indians who have been sent to India from Nepal will also be kept in quarantine for 14 days.

Published on: 15 May 2020 | The Rising Nepal