Migrant workers throw stones at police in Gujarat in protest against lockdown

More than 500 workers employed in industries in the Hazira belt, on the outskirts of Surat, gathered to demand that the authorities make arrangements for them to return to their home states.

Reuters

May 09, 2020 / 20:33 IST

Hundreds of migrant workers in Gujarat have clashed for a second day with authorities, hurling stones at police trying to enforce a lockdown to stem the spread of coronavirus.

Protesters took to the streets in the city of Surat on Saturday, a day after residents in Ahmedabad clashed with paramilitary forces.

More than 500 workers employed in industries in the Hazira belt, on the outskirts of Surat, gathered to demand that the authorities make arrangements for them to return to their home states.

The protesters, most of them migrant workers from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, told police they are struggling to survive without work and money.

"We told them that a large number of workers have [already] been sent to their home states by the government, and similar arrangements would be made for them too," Inspector H.R. Brahmbhatt, based at Ichhapore police station, told Reuters.

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