Migrant labourers working in the coffee plantations of Karnataka's Chikkamagaluru and Hassan districts are living in a state of fear and anxiety. This follows a disturbing incident where they were allegedly attacked and harassed at a weekly market in Mudigere town. The workers, who hail from states like Assam, Madhya Pradesh, and Bihar, have demanded immediate protection from the authorities.
Details of the Mudigere Market Incident
According to police reports, the unsettling event occurred when a group of nine right-wing activists entered the bustling weekly market. They specifically targeted workers from Assam, accusing them of being illegal migrants from Bangladesh. The activists allegedly proceeded to check the workers' Aadhaar cards and other identification documents on their own, creating an atmosphere of intimidation.
In response to the attack, the Mudigere police have registered a formal First Information Report (FIR) against the nine activists involved. The case has been filed under Section 194(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). However, the accused activists have defended their actions by claiming that some migrant workers in the region are involved in illegal activities, including cattle slaughter. They cited previous cases of theft, robbery, and assault to justify their vigilante-style verification.
Workers Speak Out: Fear and a Plea for Legal Process
The attack has left deep psychological scars on the migrant community, many of whom have lived and worked in the region for years. Ikram-Ul, a worker from Assam employed at a coffee estate for five years, shared his ordeal. He stated that he had submitted all his documents to his estate owner, who had them verified by the local police. "I have even learnt Kannada," he said. "But after the recent attack, I am scared to step out. We came here only to earn our livelihood."
Another worker, Aslam, acknowledged that a handful of individuals within the migrant community might be engaging in unlawful acts. He emphasized that the authorities should be the ones to take action against such people. "We are ready for verification, but it should be done legally by the authorities concerned," Aslam asserted, highlighting the community's desire for due process over mob justice.
Planters' Dependence and Police Assurance
The local coffee plantation economy is heavily reliant on migrant labour. Vishwas, a coffee estate owner, explained the standard procedure, saying, "Before employing them, we verify their documents and submit the details to the jurisdictional police." This formal process underscores that many workers are legally documented and their employment is sanctioned.
Superintendent of Police Jitendra Kumar Dayama addressed the situation firmly. He stated that the police department would not tolerate such incidents and assured that appropriate action would be taken against those responsible. Dayama also issued a warning, saying that no actions or statements that could create public unrest or send a wrong message would be allowed. This assurance is a crucial step towards restoring a sense of security among the vulnerable worker population.
