Onus on Gujarat government to protect migrants, says Sinha

Former Union minister Yashwant Sinha Tuesday said the BJP government in Gujarat should have taken proactive measures to stop attacks on Hindi-speaking migrant workers in the state following a rape incident.

Asked about the exodus of migrant workers, mostly from Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, in the wake of attacks on them, Sinha said an entire community must not be held responsible for the misdeeds of one person.

The attacks on Hindi-speaking people started in Gujarat after a man from Bihar, who worked in a factory, was arrested for allegedly raping a 14-month-old girl in a village in Sabarkantha district on September 28.

"I do not want to blame anyone. But, it is the responsibility of a state to maintain law and order situation. The state government should have given police protection to these migrants in order to make them feel safe and protect them from any attacks," Sinha told mediapersons here.

The former BJP leader said north Indians have contributed in the development of Gujarat, one of the most industrialised states in the country.

"The way people are leaving Gujarat is totally uncalled for situation for Gujarat. An entire community or group must not be held guilty for the misdeeds of one. North Indians have given significant contribution in the development of Gujarat."