Migrants left for social, religious reasons: Government to HC

AHMEDABAD: While reporting on the exodus of migrants from the state following attacks on them, the state government on Wednesday told Gujarat high court that migrant workers have not fled Gujarat out of fear but have gone to their native places due to social, religious and family related reasons.

Home department undersecretary, Pankaj Dave, affirmed that senior officials like district collectors and SPs regularly visit colonies, bus stations and railway stations and inquire about the well-being of the migrant people. "The overall impression gathered by the senior officials is that the migrant workers have gone to their native places for various reasons like Durga Puja festival, Chhath Puja and other social, religious and family reasons."

The government filed an affidavit in reply to a PIL filed by advocate K R Koshti demanding strict action against those who are involved in targeting migrant workers and sought compensation for the injured.

Downplaying the sentiment, the government said, "In last eight days, not even a minor incident has been reported as the state and the people of Gujarat have spoken in one voice against such destructive forces." It also said that there has not been any major injury to any person in Gujarat during the incidents of violence.

The government claimed that it is harshly dealing with forces that target migrant workers. It promised stringent action against them.