KSU ask members to be extra vigilant on entry of migrant workers

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMay 31, 2020

The Khasi Students Union (KSU) has cautioned its members across the Khasi-Jaintia Hills region to be more vigilant in view of the government’s decision to bring migrant labourers from outside into the state.

“If need be, checking should also be conducted to ensure no outsider get to freely enter the state during this time (of health crisis due to COVID-19),” KSU chief Lambokstar Marngar said in a statement issued on Sunday. 

Marngar said this is to send a clear message to the state government that the Union vehemently opposed its decision to allow migrant labourers to come and work in the state at this juncture. 

“Who will take responsibility if these migrant labourers are to come into the state? Whether they will be sent for quarantine for 14 or 28 days before going to their workplace? if yes, who will provide them space for quarantine and who will bear the expense when the government had maintained that it cannot provide enough quarantine centres and had to seek the support and cooperation of traditional dorbar shnong,” he said. 

“Therefore, we cannot such decision of the government. We also urge the government to reconsider its decision as once migrant workers are allowed to enter the state, they will come in large number by taking advantage of the situation,” he said.

The KSU has also asked the state government to further restrict inter-state movement excluding medical emergencies.

According to the Union, COVID-19 cases has also increased in neighbouring Assam.

Meanwhile, the KSU urged all concerned to refrain from bringing migrant labourers in the interest and safety of the state and its people.

It may be mentioned here that the state government has recently decided to grant permission for highly skilled labourers from outside to work in the state.