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We will return to Kashmir again in the spring, non-local labourers say

Non-local labourers have been gathered in different locations by the authorities, where from they would be sent home.

After the recent killings of locals and non-natives in Kashmir Valley, particularly on Sunday evening in Kulgam district wherein, two non-local labourers were killed, there has been a spurt in the number of non-local labourers leaving the valley.

Non-locals gathered, sent home by authorities

Strict security arrangements have been made in the valley after the attacks on non-natives, while special security is being provided to non-natives and they are being assisted to return home.

Non-local labourers have been gathered at various places including Kakapora and Lassipora areas in southern Kashmir’s Pulwama district, from where they are being sent home.

‘Kashmiris are hospitable,’ non-local labourers say

While speaking to Digpu News, the non-natives who have been working in the Pulwama district for the last several years said that they are not in danger from anyone in Kashmir and they are very happy to work here.

Masood, a 30-year-old mason, said that he visited Kashmir for the first time and he found people very friendly. “The people are very hospitable and I can tell this even after the recent attacks on non-locals. However, it is difficult for us to stay here amid the killings. Our families are worried, so we have to leave,” he said.

Non-local workers plan to return to Kashmir next year

“Our pending payments were provided within the last 24 hours by all our Kashmiri families where we had worked. It just took us one phone call and they came with the payment to our rented rooms,” Muntazir, another labourer said, adding that they plan to return to the valley as soon as the situation improves.

The non-locals said that that they would return to the valley in the spring season next year.

Usually, the non-local labourers and workers would leave in the months of October and November as the construction and farming season ends in the valley. However, the unfortunate killings made many of them leave while leaving their works incomplete.

Pertinently, two labourers from Bihar were killed by unidentified gunmen in the Kulgam district of south Kashmir on Sunday evening. Earlier last week, three non-local workers were killed in Srinagar and Pulwama districts.

Non-native workers, as a consequence, decided to return home after the killings. Many of them even migrated to Jammu where they plan to earn some money for the ‘fare’ to travel to their native places.

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Aasif Ganaie

Aasif is a journalist and a news enthusiast based in Jammu & Kashmir. He voyages to explore and uncover the stories More »
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