Kerala: Migrant workers stage protests in Kozhikode, demand to be sent back home

Hundreds of migrant workers from different states staged a protest on Tuesday Kodiyathoor, Kozhikode district demanding to be sent back to their home states. According to reports, they staged the protest in front of the Kodiyathoor Gram Panchayat and claimed of facing a shortage of ration amid the Coronavirus lockdown. 

However, after the police officials assured them that the arrangements would be made to send them home immediately, the protesters went back to their camps. Meanwhile, similar protests have been reported from other parts of Kerala and the country in recent days demanding the authorities to take steps to send them to their home states.

Read: MHA issues SOP for evacuation of Indian nationals stranded abroad, priority to distressed

Centre allows movement of stranded migrants

Meanwhile, the MHA has permitted the inter-state movement of stranded persons in the country. This move will help migrant workers, students, pilgrims, tourists who have been stranded in different parts of India to return to their home state. While trains and buses will be used for the transportation of the persons, they will be allowed to proceed only after being medically screened and undergoing 14-day quarantine in institutional facilities or home-quarantine.

The Indian Railways has launched an initiative wherein special trains will run from specific destinations to the hometowns of several stranded migrants, labour workforce, students, pilgrims, tourists and special requirement of persons amid the lockdown.

Read: UP CM lauds Centre's move to run special trains for stranded migrants amid lockdown

COVID-19 in India

According to the latest update from the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, the number of total Coronavirus cases in the country has climbed to 46,711, including 31,967 active cases. While 1,583 deaths have been reported overall, around 13,161 people have been cured/discharged/migrated. Meanwhile, Maharashtra and Delhi have the highest number of cases in the country. 

Read: Coronavirus Live Updates: Telangana extends lockdown till May 29; total cases soar to 46711

Read: Kerala CM questions govt's evacuation plan; says protocol needs to be followed