Coronavirus crisis: Over 300 migrant workers stage protest in Chennai, demand assistance to go home – India Today

Over 300 migrant labourers stranded across Chennai in Tamil Nadu gathered at Velachery checkpost and demanded assistance to go home.

The migrant labourers from different states, who are out of work and stranded in Chennai amid the novel coronavirus lockdown, started congregating at Velachery checkpost on Saturday morning.

They demanded that the police allow them to leave for home. They said if they are not allowed to travel by vehicles or any public transport, then they should at least be allowed to travel by walking.

Later, the Chennai Police reached the spot and collected the basic information of all the migrants including their Aadhar card details. The police assured them that they are looking into the matter and they will soon be sent to their native places.

After the reassurance from the police officials, the migrant labourers, who had gathered at the area, dispersed.

Similar protests were also held at Mogappair and Pallavarmin Chennai where many migrant workers demanded to go home.

The police have reached the spot in Pallavarm where the migrant workers flouted social distancing warning and organised protest, demanding assistance to go to their native land.

Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Governor has designated Atulya Misra, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Revenue and Disaster Management Department Government of Tamil Nadu and nodal authority to regulate the issues relating to the movement of stranded persons in the state including pilgrims, tourists, students, migrant workers and others.

The Tamil Nadu government has been currently providing shelter and food to many migrant labourers stranded in the state. Apart from that, the state has now opened an online portal for people to register for passes to move intra-district, inter-district and inter-state.

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