Srinagar: J&K High Court Friday directed Divisional Commissioners of Jammu and Srinagar to inform the court about the condition of migrants, contract labours and visitors stranded in Jammu and Kashmir. The court passed the direction after it was informed that there were a large number of migrant and contract labourers and visitors to places of religious importance and tourist spots in J&K, who on account of the lockdown were stranded in different locations in J&K. The court directed Divisional Commissioners to submit a report regarding the conditions of stranded migrants, contract labours and visitors.

It was further directed to authorities to inform it about the locations of such persons and measures which were being undertaken for ensuring the needs of these stranded persons. The division bench of Chief Justice Gita Mittal and Justice Rajnesh Oswal directed the authorities to also submit an action plan regarding these persons. Court was also informed that these people have been given temporary shelters in mosques etc without any formal plan for their transportation back to their homes or places of their origin. It was submitted that these persons are living in deplorable conditions and their essential needs were not being met.

“These persons are stated to be located in various places in Kashmir valley including in Shopian, Srinagar and other places,” Counsel Monika Kohli submitted. The court after hearing the council, directed Member Secretary Jammu Kashmir State Legal Services Authority to collaborate with the authorities to supplement the steps underway in this regard. The court listed the matter on April 27, 2020.

NUSRAT SIDIQ