Gujarat violence: “I have lived here for 22 years, This is my home, Where will I go?”

Fear has gripped migrants following spate attacks on non-Gujaratis, mainly those from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, over the past few days. The violence was triggered following the arrest of a man hailing from Bihar in connection with the rape of a 14-month-old girl in Sabarkantha district.

Amid violence, around 20,000 people have quit their jobs or left it midway to return home to safety. However, the Gujarat police has assured them safety both at the workplace and place they reside.

There still are a large number of migrants who are residing in different parts of Gujarat and have not left the state because either they do not have any other place to go or are unable to leave their job mid-way.

According to a news report in Ahmedabad Mirror, Sunil Rajat (20), who lives in Narol, has just returned to Gujarat after a month at home in Uttar Pradesh. He is waiting for the current job be be over and then he too is planning to go home. “I am just waiting for the present work to get over. I will be returning home in 2-3 days. It is better to go hungry than die,” said Sunil.

He has to support a family of six in a village in UP. Sunil earns ₹15,000, out of which he sends ₹10,000 to his family every month. “My elder brother is unwell and cannot work. I have a sister too and my family relies on my income.”

Sunil’s landlord is from Bharwad community. He has made it clear to Sunil that he will take no responsibility in case Sunil is attacked.

Sunil’s fear has been provoked by threatening messages doing the rounds on social media. “There is a video that shows a man threatening people from North India to be gone by 9.30 pm the next day or they won’t be responsible to what happens to us,” stated Sunil

Another migrant worker, Ravi Varma (24) from Uttar Pradesh, who works as painting contractor, is unable to leave his job midway.“I had taken on three jobs of painting bungalows and flats before Diwali. But six of the eight men working with me have left for their homes,” said Ravi Varma.

On being asked why he was staying behind, Ravi says, “I cannot go. I have been working in the city since 2007. I recently bought a home in Vatva and my family stays with me. Ninety per cent of people in the area I stay are either from Bihar or Uttar Pradesh. I have three jobs to finish before Diwali. I cannot go or the work will go to someone else.”

Ravi adds, “We are facing attacks because of one person who committed a ghastly crime. How are we to blame? We come here to make a living.”

Bablu Maurya (25), an electrician belongs to Rae Bareli in Uttar Pradesh said, “For now, I am staying put as there are people from my community staying with me. But during the day I have to travel across the city for work. It is scary. I will be compelled to leave the city if the situation deteriorates.”

Surendra Maurya (38), who also lives in Narol, says, “I have lived in Ahmedabad for 22 years. This is my home. Where will I go? I will leave for Uttar Pradesh only if I am pushed out of this city.”

Schools in Gujarat reported record absentees

Another report in Ahmedabad Mirror, has stated that there are around 21,000 students from migrant communities of UP, Bihar, Rajasthan and MP who are enrolled in 61 Ahmedabad Municipal Council-run Hindi medium schools in the city. On October 8, 25% students were reported absent from these schools, compared to the normal 5% absence on any day.

While teachers, who have requested anonymity, have attributed this drop in numbers to the attacks on migrants following the rape incident in Sabarkantha, the AMC’s official stand is that “it could be because of the festival season or/and other personal issues”.

A Hindi-medium school located in Shahibaug where 194 students are enrolled registered 93% absence on October 8.

“Our schools have students whose migrant parents have been living here for decades. Rumours being circulated on social media on bandh calls to protest against migrants have fuelled a fear among the parents who are worried about the safety of their wards. The absence of the students is quite shocking and most unfortunate,” said a school official, on the condition of anonymity

School authorities told Ahemdabad Mirror that this level of absenteeism was not registered even on September 10, when Congress had called for a nationwide bandh to protest against fuel prices.