With no attacks on north Indian migrant workers in Gujarat since Monday, the exodus after attacks on them a few days ago is reported to have abated across north Gujarat.
“There has not been any incident and the situation is absolutely under control. There are no reports of mass exodus also,” a senior official in the State government said, adding measures initiated by the administration have led to positive results.
In Gandhinagar, Vadodara, Mehana, and other districts, local administration officials held meetings with representatives of migrant workers and also industry representatives. The police officials were also present and assured migrants of safety.
In Ahmedabad, Additional Chief Secretary (Revenue) Pankaj Kumar himself visited the Sabarmati railway station to meet some migrant labourers who were about to board a train to their native town. He met the workers and assured them that their safety would be the top priority of the administration.
“All District Collectors were asked to meet migrant labourers to assure them about their safety. Accordingly, officials held meetings with migrant workers and their representatives, heard their grievances and assured cooperation from the government,” Mr. Kumar told The Hindu .
He said proactive measures by the government have brought the situation under control.
Meanwhile, the Cyber Cell of the Crime Branch of the Ahmedabad police have arrested 10 more persons under Section 66C and 67 of the IT Act and other provisions of the IPC for spreading hate messages to incite violence against migrant workers in the State. So far, 35 people have been booked and arrested under the above sections and provisions.
Notice to govt.
Meanwhile the Gujarat State Human Rights Commission (GSHRC) issued notices on Wednesday to Chief Secretary J.N. Singh and Director-General of Police Shivanand Jha, seeking reports on the attacks and exodus of Hindi-speaking migrant workers.
The reports have to be submitted within 20 days, GSHRC chairperson Justice (retired) Abhilasha Kumari told reporters in Gandhinagar.
The notices have sought reports on steps taken to ensure the safety of migrant labourers under attack in the State, she said. “They have been asked to clarify what steps are being taken to maintain peace in the State and for the safety of the people who are being attacked.”
Since the alleged rape of a 14-month-old girl in Sabarkantha on September 28, and the arrest of a labourer hailing from Bihar for the crime, six districts, most of them in north Gujarat, had seen sporadic incidents of violence
( With PTI inputs )
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