Some Bangladeshi nationals, at the immigration check post in Fulbari, Siliguri, on Saturday extended full support to India's decision over temporarily suspending visas of foreign nationals, saying that the government has taken a very good decision despite that the move may affect few who need visas for emergency purposes.
"This is a pandemic disease that is spreading across the world. The government has taken a very good decision despite that it will be problematic for some, for example, those who require the visa for emergency purposes. But it should be our collective responsibility to fight the disease," said Durga Shah from Naushindi in Bangladesh.
In view of the coronavirus outbreak, all passenger movements through immigration land checkposts at borders with Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, and Myanmar will be suspended from March 15 till further orders.
In a statement, the Union Home Ministry said on Friday that the people will be allowed to travel through 19 of 37 land immigration checkposts from Saturday midnight.
The announcements come after the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared coronavirus outbreak a pandemic. Over 5,000 people have died due to COVID-19. In India too, the number of cases of coronavirus continues to rise.
Another Bangladeshi national also reiterated similar sentiments saying that the Indian government has made the move to save their own country amid such a situation of crisis.
"I have come here to take medicines. I was about to come here a few days later but due to the closure of the border people in need will have some problems. But we also support the government's decision because the coronavirus is pandemic. The Indian government has taken such a move to save its own country," said Asad from Thakurghar.
On Friday, the Indian Railways also suspended operations of existing India-Bangladesh cross border passenger trains and buses for one month with immediate effect from March 15.
The two trains -- Maitree Express and Bandhan Express -- connect India and Bangladesh. The Maitree Express runs between the cities of Kolkata and Dhaka, while the Bandhan Express connects Kolkata to Khulna city in Bangladesh.
Earlier, the Ministry of Home Affairs said that India-Bangladesh passenger buses and trains will remain suspended till April 15 due to coronavirus outbreak.
The ministry also announced that the anticipation of foreigners in the border 'haats' shall remain suspended with immediate effect until further orders.
The move is part of the Indian government's attempt to contain the virus which has claimed over 5,000 people globally. India has also reported two deaths and 82 confirmed cases from the disease which originated from Wuhan city of China.
Earlier, the Home Ministry had announced the restrictions on international passenger traffic through Land Check Posts in view of the spread of coronavirus.
India on Thursday suspended all visas with some exceptions including diplomatic and official travel as coronavirus cases continue to proliferate around the world.
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