Since Independence, a substantial number of migrant labourers have been coming to Jammu and Kashmir. Even in the 1990s, when violence was at its peak in the valley, the flow of migrant labourers continued unabated. But after the bifurcation of the state and the withdrawal of its special status under Article 370 of the Constitution, the outsiders have found themselves targeted by militants. Over the past three months, at least five migrant labourers have been killed. This has not only hit the inflow of migrant labourers into the union territory but also curtailed their freedom to work at the place of their choice. Most of the labourers are Dalits, OBCs and Adivasis from Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand and other states.
About The Author
Saiyed Zegham Murtaza
Syed Zegham Murtaza is an independent journalist based in Delhi. Born in Amroha, Uttar Pradesh, Murtaza has a masters in public administration and mass communication from Aligarh Muslim University. He is a regular contributor to various newspapers, magazines and news websites.
