THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A series of fake news fanned by social media about the dangers being faced by migrant labourers in Kerala has left the entire work force in panic. There are around 25 lakh migrant labourers working at the construction sector, hotels and restaurants across the state. Many of them have seen three video clips on Whatsapp—which is the only source of news for migrant workers—featuring the murder of migrant labourers after being tortured by locals.
Out of fear, many of them have already left their jobs. In the last week, around 400 workers have boarded trains, mostly from the Northern part of Kerala. However, the actual figures could be very high. During this season, several labourers take leaves to celebrate Diwali with their family. But this year, the number of labourers leaving the state as well as their jobs has gone up. Even those who have planned to stay back got several call from their family members after they saw the video clips.
The state, which heavily depends upon these workers, is equally worried by the exodus. Facing acute labour shortage, many hotels and restaurants in Kozhikode, Ernakulam and Kollam districts have already put down their shutters. The issue has already left the construction sector worried. A study, conducted by the state government in 2013, has showed that every year the migrant labourers send `19,000 crore as remittance to their family members.
However, the issue has prompted the state government to step in. Through social media, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has assured safety and security to migrant workers and requested them not to fall prey to fake news. Through his message, the CM says strong action will be taken against those whoever is spreading such rumours. State Police chief Loknath Behra too has assured support to the workers.
CPI(M) state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan has termed it as a deliberate attempt to tarnish the image of the state government.
Meanwhile, the BJP is of the view that there are no concerted attempts to scare the migrant labourers with the intention of tarnishing state’s image. “These days the state is being viewed as a place where the ruling party was involved in political killing. The image of the state has sullen because it is seen as a hub of anti-national activities,” BJP Thiruvananthapuram district president S Suresh said.
According to police, the video clips and messages seem to have originated from Bengal. However, they are not ruling out the possibility of business rivalry.