Gratitude in eyes of migrant labourers as they accept cheques from CM at Gangarampur

BALURGHAT: The migrant labourers who have recently returned from Kashmir expressed satisfaction and gratitude towards Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, after receiving cheques of Rs 50,000 each on Tuesday.

Banerjee took part in administrative review meetings at Gangarampur stadium and distributed cheques to 112 labourers just before the meetings started on the same day.

Speaking to Millennium Post, Abdul Kader Mian, one of the labourers, said: "I received the cheque of Rs 50,000 from the Chief Minister. Thanks to her for the financial support. Earlier she had taken steps for our safe return as there was no job for us in Kashmir because of frequent shutdowns."

Another labourer Haidar Ali said: "Didi has provided us the money so that we can start a new trade or anything else we want. The efforts taken by the state were very helpful in making our journey smooth. Initially I had doubt in mind whether I would be able to return to my native village."

Another labourer Hasan Ali said: "It was my dream to see her and the dream came true while receiving cheque from her. She has been working relentlessly for the development of Bengal. Tickets were booked for us. Two high-ranked police officers were sent to Kashmir to make the entire process glitch-free. After returning, we were provided preliminary aids like warm-clothes, food and drinking water."

Banerjee said that the financial support will help them start new businesses in their localities. "I hope the state's initiative will help them to start everything afresh. We have helped them on humanitarian grounds," the Chief Minister added.

It may be recalled that the state government took the steps after five labourers

were killed by terrorists at Kulgam in Kashmir on October 29. The killings had sparked tension and the labourers had blamed the Centre for not providing adequate security to them.