Inside Northeast Impact: Assam Workers Stuck in Chennai Extended Help from Chirang & Chennai Authorities

Guwahati, April 12, 2020:

Inside Northeast on Saturday reported the story of 24 migrant workers from Assam's Chirang who were stuck in Chennai's Kanchipuram amid the lockdown and that they sought help from the Government in form of financial assistance and relief package or essential items. The current status of the workers is that they are being provided with a helping hand by Assam as well as Chennai administration.

The workers have been contacted by the Chirang Superintendent of Police (SP), Sudhakar Singh and assured of additional help in case of any difficulty. The Chirang SP took stock of their plight and contacted his counterpart in Kanchipuram and briefed him on the matter. The latter has assured of helping the workers from Assam.

ALSO READ: Manipur: Thousands Throng Imphal Market During Lockdown Relaxation Hours with No Social Distancing

SP Singh also had a word with DHL, the employer of the 24 workers from Assam. The company has also assured that they would aid the men.

While speaking with Inside Northeast, the Chirang SP said, "There main problem is that they are unable to access ATMs. They have been given Rs 1,000 each from their employer. Since the stores that are close to them do not accept online payment, they want cash. So, I contacted DHL company, where they work and asked to help them. They assured that they would help the workers."

He added, "The Kanchipuram SP has also assured that they would help the workers. I have forwarded the same information to the State Control Board In-charge Anand Prakash Tiwari and all other concerned personnel. They are going to take up the matter at the Government level."

ALSO READ: Coronavirus: Family of Jorhat Labourer Bedridden due to Lung Disease Appeals Govt for Help amid Lockdown

The workers have been provided with the required assistance and SP Singh has asked them to contact him in case of any difficulty faced in Kanchipuram, Chennai. "Till now I have not received any call from them. I will follow the matter again in sometime," he said.

It may be mentioned here that the 24 workers from Chirang are stuck in Chennai’s Kanchipuram since March 24 due to the lockdown. They were facing extreme difficulty as they were unable to venture out and seek help. It was through a video they shared on Facebook that they could get a helping hand.

It may be mentioned here that thousands of people from Assam are stuck outside the State due to the lockdown and are now facing extreme difficulty in surviving the lockdown. Shortage of money, food and other essentials have added to their hardships outside.

NOTE: Kindly reach out to Inside Northeast at editor@insidene.com or tag Inside Northeast on Facebook to report about the ones who are stranded and need help.

Support Inside Northeast (InsideNE), an independent media platform that focuses on Citizen-centric stories from Northeast India that are surprising, inspiring, cinematic and emotionally relevant.