CANACONA
Chaos prevailed on Thursday after motorists and commuters crossing the Polem check post in Canacona were stopped at the Majali check post in Karnataka as authorities began enforcing the 72-hour RT-PCR negative report.
Kadamba buses and all other vehicles from Goa were stopped from entering Karnataka without a 72-hour valid RT-PCR negative report.
On the other hand, KSRTC buses and other vehicles did not face any interruption or inconvenience while entering Goa from Karnataka.
While a policeman at Karnataka said they had received orders on Thursday itself, a magistrate was also present at the Majali check post to enforce the SOP and permit entry to only those with a 72-hour valid RT-PCR negative report.
“A vaccination certificate is no more the criteria to enter Karnataka. Only a 72-hour valid RT-PCR negative report is needed,” informed a police official, when asked about the sudden developments.
The sudden enforcement of the new SOP sparked off angry reactions among the stranded motorists.
“Without intimating us in advance, Karnataka officials are suddenly asking us for a 72-hour RT-PCR negative test report. A minimum of 8 hours is required from the nearest location at Margao to obtain an RT-PCR test report. How is it possible to get the report now,” said a driver of a Margao-Karwar bus stopped at the Polem border.
Several people were stopped and stranded at the Polem border check post since 7 am, after Karnataka suddenly announced a new SOP demanding a 72-hour valid RT-PCR negative report to enter Karnataka, irrespective of having both the Covid vaccination certificates.
Some Canacona residents proceeding to meet a sick relative on the other side of the border were seen were pleading with policemen to allow them entry but to no avail.
A traveller who was also pleading with Karnataka police to allow him entry with both Covid vaccination certificates accused the Karnataka police of discrimination.
“Karnataka police was only stopping Goa registered vehicles since morning but allowed several non-Goan vehicles entry into Karnataka. They were demanding a 72-hour RT-PCR negative report only from Goan travellers, including public transportation and Kadamba buses who were headed towards Karwar and other destinations in Karnataka.
