Assamese migrant workers walk 62 km, stopped and sent to relief camp

A group of 25 migrant workers from Assam was on Friday (April 17) held at a checkpost in North Garo Hills district of Meghalaya while they were trying to enter their home state, a police officer said.

The group, which includes four women and four children, walked around 62 km amid the ongoing nationwide lockdown, starting their journey from the coal-rich village of Shallang in West Khasi Hills district a few days ago in the hope of reaching home.

“The workers hail from Goalpara district of Assam. They used internal routes and jungles to avoid being detected by policemen at various checkpoints. But, the team was finally stopped at the Dainadubi check gate,” North Garo Hills police chief Abraham T Sangma said.

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The district administration has taken them to a relief camp and provided food and shelter, officials said, adding that the group will stay there till movement of people between states is allowed again.

Many such workers from West Khasi Hills and South Garo Hills have earlier been spotted at Dainadubi and they have been taken to various relief camps, officials said.

“We will take a decision after April 20. For now, they will be sheltered in relief camps,” North Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner S.C. Sadhu said.

The lockdown norms are expected to be relaxed after April 20.

(With inputs from agencies)