Filmmakers, NGOs, activists of Assam write to PM, CJI to draw attention to migrant plight

GUWAHATI: More than 50 people which include social activists, writers, filmmakers, journalists, physicians and members of civil society have written to President, Chief Justice of India, Prime Minister and chairman of National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to draw their attention to plight of migrants during the lockdown.

"Sir, we the following citizens of Assam, would like to bring to your notice that due to lack of proper planning by Govt of India before enforcing on March 25, a 21-day lock down to contain coronavirus, thousands of stranded migrant workers, especially in metro cities, had to come back to their native places by road along with families including women, children and differently-abled persons," according to the statement.

The statement also draws attention to police harassment and brutality when people are coming out to buy essential items.

"In states like Assam too police forces have resorted to lathi charge even on people coming out of their homes for buying essential household items or for some medical emergency.

That sir, we believe that law enforcers themselves should abide by the Law first before enforcing it on other citizens. Further, no law allows the police to beat up the citizens mercilessly or abuse them.

Therefore, we would like to draw your attention to such brutal and unlawful activities of the law enforcers and request your immediate intervention in the matter so that such incidents do not recur in times to come."

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