Hundreds of commuters were stranded near Vairengte on National Highway 306 (formerly 54) along the Mizoram-Assam border on Friday as the Mizoram government expedited screening for coronavirus after it sealed both the international and inter-state borders.
Mizoram shares a 123km border with Assam.
The state also shares borders with Manipur and Tripura and an 820km unfenced international border with Myanmar and Bangladesh.
A local leader in Vairengte said huge queue of vehicles coming from Assam was seen on Friday as commuters awaited screening.
He said all types of vehicles, including goods-carrying trucks, have been queuing up since Wednesday evening upto about 4km from the screening counters after the state government sealed other entry points along the international and inter-state borders.
Police said two screening counters have been set up at Vairengte check post.
Commuters and vehicles have to line up for long as screening is being conducted meticulously. “Passengers and vehicles are released once screening is completed,” a police officer present at the screening counter told The Telegraph.
Officials of the home department said the state government is mulling an alternative to expedite screening for quick exit of the commuters.
They said entry and exit of vehicles at other entry points was normal.
The state government on Wednesday formally sealed its border with neighbouring countries and states, barring six entry points, as a precautionary measure.
The entry point for Assam is at Vairengte and Bairabi, at Khawkawn in Saitual district for Manipur and at Kanhmun in Mamit district for Tripura.
The Mizoram-Myanmar border is open at Zokhawthar and that of India-Bangladesh at Kawrpuichhuah.
Officials said the remaining 38 entry points along the international and inter-state borders have been closed.
Astate health department official said more than 100 people, who have returned from abroad, have been quarantined at home. He said the quarantined people did not show any symptoms.
The state government on Friday launched call centre and helpline numbers in case of any emergency related to coronavirus in the state.
An official statement said separate helpline numbers have been launched, apart from a toll-free 102 helpline.
It said people can call, seek assistance and furnish reports on 0389-2323336, 0389-2322336 and 0389-2318336.