Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan lauds Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan-led government's tremendous efforts in COVID-19 pandemic preparations and containment and said that all Kerala expats will be brought back without any unnecessary delay.
In a special interview with ETV Bharat, Kerala Governor said, "state government has been leading the COVID battle in a very efficient manner. Pinarayi Vijayan has demonstrated the leadership qualities much needed in such crisis situations."
"The Health Minister and other Ministers have been working overtime. The whole world appreciates Kerala’s attempts in COVID-19 prevention just because we have good leadership here", he said.
Speaking on the criticism faced by the government in issues involving data of COVID-19 patients, the governor said, "The opposition has all rights to criticise the government. However, such deep crises are not times for political criticisms. Instead, the opposition should stand by the Government now. Untimely criticisms from the opposition are to be neglected at this point."
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On being asked about the Non-Resident Keralites (NRKs) stranded in foreign countries especially the Gulf, Arif Mohammed Khan said that the state took special interest and made all efforts, right from the beginning, to bring the expatriates.
"We have to tie up with foreign agencies, we have to make logistics arrangement and I am sure no unnecessary delay will happen to bring back expats. The operation (Vande Bharat mission) began last day but the preparations were underway in the state for the past one month to receive them," Khan said.
The governor also said cooperation of the public was crucial in the COVID containment measures.
"The people of Kerala rose to the situation and remained indoors. The hard work of Kudumbasree, ASHA workers, Kerala Police and many others have also been vital in the pandemic fight. Physical distancing and maintaining hand hygiene are the only known ways to check the spread of the novel coronavirus disease," Governor added.
On May 10, INS Jalashwa carrying 698 repatriated Indian citizens, mostly Keralites, from the Maldives arrived in Kochi harbour, completing the Indian Navy's first massive evacuation exercise from foreign soil during the COVID-19 lockdown.
The Keralite passengers, cleared by all statutory organisations, were transported to different districts in KSRTC buses (30 per bus) and police escorted them till their quarantine facilities in every single district.
