Punjab Industry and Power Minister Sanjeev Arora has assured full support for migrant labourers, stressing that no one should face discrimination in the state. He said India is a democratic and secular country where all citizens enjoy equal rights. Punjabis, too, work in other states, so it is important to maintain peace and harmony at home.
Arora was reacting to reports of some village panchayats in Hoshiarpur, Ropar, Nawanshahr, Mohali, Bathinda, and Malerkotla passing resolutions against undocumented migrants. He made it clear that law and order will take its course against any accused, but one crime should not be used to target an entire community.
The minister also assured industrialists that there will be no labour shortage in Punjab.
Meanwhile, farm unions and workers’ groups have extended support for migrant labourers, calling them vital to Punjab’s economy. The Kirti Kisan Union urged people to resist hate campaigns. The Punjab Khet Mazdoor Union and other organisations condemned a crime by an individual worker in Hoshiarpur but warned against blaming all migrants.
Over 500 intellectuals, writers, and artists have appealed to Punjabis to reject violence and stand united with migrant workers.
