Rajasthan migrants walked up 100 km, seek govt help

As many as 10 migrant workers who were running snacks stalls in various parts of Karnataka's Challakere, are forced to cover a distance of more than 1600 km to reach to their native place in Rajasthan. After they walked for a distance of 100kms from Challakere to Ballari they are exhausted and not in the condition to move a single step further.

Chitradurga(Karnataka): More than 10 daily wage earners, who migrated from Rajasthan to Karnataka, are now struggling to go back to their state.

All these migrants, who were running snacks stalls in various parts of Karnataka's Challakere, are forced to cover a distance of more than 1600 km on foot after PM Modi announced the nationwide lockdown to contain the spread of the covid-19 virus.

"We were selling Pani-puri and ice-creams in Karnataka's Challakere area. After Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a nationwide lockdown, we got stuck along with our families. At first, we have tried to manage to stay in Challakere, but the condition got worsen as we are running out of money. Then, we have decided to go back to our village", said a migrant worker.

The group of 10 people including small kids and women with luggage, have already covered a distance of 100kms from Challakere to Ballari. But, now they are not in the condition to move a single step.

"We have not taken a proper meal for the last two days. I request Rajasthan Chief Minister to help us in bringing us back to our native places", added a daily wage earner.

On March 24, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced a 21-day lockdown as a precautionary measure to contain the spread of COVID-19. The lockdown was later extended till May 3.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Friday issued an order to extend the ongoing lockdown by two more weeks from May 4 and also allowed the movement of migrant workers, tourists, students and other persons stranded at different places, by special trains.