Migrant Workers in Ludhiana Fleeing Amid Rising India-Pakistan Tensions
Migrants Stream to Native Locations in Ludhiana: Administration Assures Public There's No Cause for Alarm
In the wake of growing tension between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack and India's retaliatory action, panic has hit Ludhiana's industrial hub as masses of migrant laborers start leaving the city hastily for their hometowns in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. Deputy commissioner (DC) Himanshu Jain has urged laborers to stay calm and avoid unnecessary travel.
Long lines of laborers are seen at Ludhiana and Dhandari railway stations and bus stands on Friday, with packed trains and buses transporting anxious workers back home. Many attribute their decision to family pressure and uncertainty about the geopolitical scenario as reasons for their precipitous departure.
Industrialists fear that the situation could worsen in the coming days, as more workers are expected to leave after obtaining advance payments from their employers. This exodus has stirred serious concerns for the manufacturing sector, which heavily depends on skilled migrant labor.
Badish Jindal, president of the World MSME Forum, suggests that around 30% of the migrant laborers had already ventured back in April due to farming and family weddings. They were meant to return by early May, but due to the current predicament, many are now reluctant to return.
After receiving their 'advance pay' on May 10, more workers are likely to depart Ludhiana, which will further impede manufacturing and logistics operations across sectors. Jindal asserts that skilled laborers, especially those in production and transportation, are indispensable to their operations, and their sudden absence will have direct repercussions on business continuity.
A worker named Mukesh Kumar, heading back to Bihar, says, "My family is concerned about my safety and has been urging me to return home until the situation improves. No one wishes to take chances."
Sanju Dhir, chairman of the Ludhiana Woolen Manufacturers Association, shares the concern, expressing that this year, the number of laborers leaving unexpectedly has spiked dramatically due to fear and uncertainty. "We might confront a labor deficit if the situation doesn't improve soon," he says.
DC Himanshu Jain reassures the public, stating that there is no need to panic. The situation in Ludhiana remains peaceful and stable, with the district administration all set to assist both workers and entrepreneurs during these times. A 24/7 control room has been established to address any query or emergency. Notably, residents can contact the helpline numbers 0161-2403100 or dial 112 for assistance.
- The migrant laborers in Ludhiana, fearing the India-Pakistan tension, are hastily leaving the city for their hometowns in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.
- Despite the deputy commissioner's urging, these laborers are seen in long queues at Ludhiana and Dhandari railway stations and bus stands, preparing to leave.
- The unexpected departure of these laborers is causing serious concerns for the local manufacturing sector, which heavily relies on skilled migrant labor.
- According to Badish Jindal, president of the World MSME Forum, around 30% of the migrant laborers had returned in April, but many are now reluctant to return due to the current situation.
- Even after receiving their 'advance pay' on May 10, more workers are likely to depart Ludhiana, which will further impact manufacturing and logistics operations across sectors.
- A worker named Mukesh Kumar, headed back to Bihar, expressed his family's concerns about his safety and their urging for him to return home until the situation improves.
