Dhemaji police have announced a reward for policemen who find any person violating home quarantine norms in the district. Many who had come from other parts of the country and abroad amid the novel coronavirus outbreak were reportedly violating the 14-day mandatory home quarantine.

Dhemaji superintendent of police Dhananjay P. Ghanawat said, “Any officer who detects a violator with a stamp on the left hand will be rewarded handsomely.”

He said the reward includes cash prizes up to Rs 5,000 and departmental perks. He said the move was aimed to encourage police personnel who were on the frontline of the battle against the pandemic and risking their lives.

Health minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, too, had urged the citizens to cooperate and alert the police if they find anybody not following the norms.

Dhemaji police have joined hands with NGOs to keep a track of those on home quarantine. “These volunteers will make video calls and check whether they are staying home. The process will start on Sunday,” the SP said. Additional director-general of police (law and order) G.P. Singh said, “The police are at the forefront of the war against coronavirus.”

Till Saturday evening, police had registered 140 cases and arrested 276 people. Most of them were released on bail.

Balipara Foundation and Wild Mahseer, in partnership with MASK, an NGO, Assam Tea Tribes Students Association, Addabarie tea estate and Assam Investment Advisory Society, have launched a midday meal programme in two hospitals and a police station.