Lockdown: Migrant labourers travel 750 km by bicycle

A group of migrant labourers in Punjab's Bhatinda travelled a distance of over 750 kilometers by bicycle to reach their hometown after a nationwide lockdown has been imposed to curb the cases of coronavirus infection.

Rohtak (Haryana): The nationwide lockdown imposed to contain the deadly novel coronavirus has emerged as a major challenge for people from all walks of life. From students to businessmen and labourers to industrialists all are affected greatly by this unprecedented situation. The situation of the stranded migrant workers who are far away from their villages and homes is getting worrisome by each passing day.

These impoverished workers just want to reach their homes anyhow. Some of these stranded workers have therefore decided to cover the 750 kilometer road distance to their homes, by their bicycles itself.

The stranded labourers discussed their plight with ETV Bharat. A family of labourers from Jhansi has got stuck in Bhatinda in Punjab after the lockdown was brought in force. The labourers suffered greatly due to the lack of money and any facilities. However, they decided to return their home through a bicycle.

Jagat Singh, a migrant worker who worked in Bhatinda told ETV Bharat correspondents that he worked for daily wages in fields for some days and collected some money. He used the money to buy a bicycle and a mechanical air pump. Then he collected some water and food for the way and adjusting his meager belongings on his cycle, left riding his cycle.

Despite innumerable claims made by the government these migrant workers have not received any relief or support.

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