West Bengal: Migrant workers who returned from Kashmir demand jobs

138 labourers who went to Jammu and Kashmir to earn a living were bought back to West Bengal after terrorists killed five migrant labourers in Jammu and Kashmir's Kulgam on October 29. workers said if West Bengal Government does t provide m with jobs y would have option but to return to Kashmir Valley despite tense atmosphere. 

'If Govt gives proper facilities and give us jobs, n we'll stay here'

"We went to Kasmir for Plywood work. We were brought back here after five labourers were killed in Kashmir. If Government gives us proper facilities to stay and give us jobs, n we will stay here. Else, we have option but to return to Kashmir to feed ourselves, a labourer said. While ar asserted y used to live in fear in valley and said it is difficult to work in valley under such circumstances. Ar labourer said y were told to return to West Bengal by Army as it is difficult to provide 12-hour protection. labourers were bought to Jammu by a police process after which y were bought to Kolkata. labourers reached Kolkata by Jammu Tawi express. Out of 148 labourers, five hail from Assam. 

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Terrorists kill five migrant labourers 

Terrorists on Tuesday evening killed five labourers from West Bengal at Katrasu in south Kashmir’s Kulgam district. Police sources said labourers were staying at ir rented accommodation when terrorists barged inside, dragged m out, and n shot m. Five of labourers succumbed to ir injuries. Three more labourers are still missing according to sources. attack happened on day a delegation of European Union Parliament was on a visit to valley, to review situation after abrogation of Article 370. 

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Several incidents of violence have been reported against migrant truck drivers and businesspersons. Earlier, a trucker from Udhampur district was killed by terrorists in Anantnag District of Jammu and Kashmir. On October 24, militants killed two n-Kashmiri truck drivers in Shopian district and set ir apple-led vehicles on fire. A Punjab-based apple trer identified as Charanjeet Singh was killed and ar injured when terrorists attacked m in Shopian district of Jammu and Kashmir. 

(With ANI inputs)

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