Kerala NGO helps injured worker return home in Karbi Anglong

A CORRESPONDENT

DONKAMUKAM: Krishna Khakhlari (42), a migrant worker from Nandeswar Khaklary Gaon of Bokulia, Karbi Anglong, had been working as a worker in an unorganized sector in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, since 2015. He was a daily wage worker and the only bread earner of his family. He has a grandmother, wife and three children back home. He stayed in a rented room in Thiruvallam, Thiruvananthapuram, along with eight other workers from different States.

His life took a drastic turn on June 11 when he was going to his workplace on a bicycle. He dashed against an electric post at Vandithadam which left him with a serious head injury. He was taken to the Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram and kept there for 10 days. Finally the doctors confirmed that he had been paralyzed from down his waist. His dreams were shattered as he became bedridden. All his roommates left his except Santhosh from Odisha who looked after him well until he returned home on July 21.

This case of Krishna Khaklary was then referred by the Assistant Labour Officer, Abhilash to KISMAT (Kerala Interstate Migrants Alliance for Transformation), an NGO catering to the needs of the migrant workers all over the State of Kerala. Due to COVID-19 lockdown, there was movement in restriction and Krishna and Santhosh were confined to their rented room without food and medicines. Realizing their predicament, KISMAT provided necessary items and medicines for them.

The NGO contacted the Labour Commissioner seeking his assistance, who assured that the Kerala government would bear Krishna's transportation expenses since he was a guest worker. Arrangements were made to send him by ambulance. Finally on July 21, Krishna could start his journey back home along with three fellow travellers. KISMAT made arrangements for their food and medicines during the journey.

In the meanwhile, Pallavi of IndiaCares (NGO) from Delhi reached out to Ankit Das who works in rural Assam and he reached out to his colleague Moniram Ronghang of Sarsenoth near Donkamukam in West Karbi Anglong district. Moniram Ronghang is the founder of People's Initiative for Rural Development (PIRD), who also supplied ration as interim relief for Krishna's family.

The Labour Department, BREADS Bangalore, Reni from Kerala, Pallavi from Delhi, Ankit Das from Banjaraa Network and Moniram Ronghang from PIRD in Assam, all collaborated to bring Krishna back home, who will be reaching within a day or two.

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