The migrants, who are mainly street food sellers or labourers or factory workers, are under major threat and are forced to leave the state, a passer-by who saw buses being loaded told DNA
The private bus operators across Gujarat have started plying extra buses for Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. The rush is similar to the heavy booking and loading of buses during Diwali or Holi when the migrants make it a point to go home.
The migrants, who are mainly street food sellers or labourers or factory workers, are under major threat and are forced to leave the state, a passer-by who saw buses being loaded told DNA.
Countering the risk to the lives of the migrants, several local leaders and councillors have said the situation has improved and the people are safe. Gayaprasad Kanojiya, a councillor from Bhaipura Hatkeshwar, said he is travelling across his ward and taking stock if there's any turmoil. "I'm meeting the people and asking them if they're scared. They said they're safe and their business is also fine."
No fizz in street food biz
Most of the migrants who are fleeing are either engaged in the street food business or work in factories. The panipuri, pavbhaji, babeli or chhole kulcha food stalls are gradually disappearing.
Two months ago when the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) started an encorachment removal drive, the street vendors were asked to vacate places for several weeks."There's no safety at all. We've packed our luggage and leaving the state. Earlier, the local authority kept us good two months away from business. Now, some people are after our lives. What have we done? Only the guilty should be punished," Sandeep Yadav told DNA before leaving for Jhansi from Ahmedabad on Sunday.
Rakesh Maheria, president of All India Street Vendor Association said they are meeting the political leaders and the police.
"We are asking all the top people to intervene. Meanwhile, we are asking the non-Hindi speakers to speak in Gujarati to win the trust of the locals. Maybe they could escape the wrath of the attackers," said Maheria.
BUS FARES HIKED
“I have paid double to the bus operator. During normal days, we get a ticket between Rs 1,200 to Rs 1,500; today I have paid Rs 2,400,” a migrant claimed.
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