Northern Railway officials said that as many as 3,000 labourers, both Hindus and Muslims from UP and Bihar who worked in the Valley, boarded more than half-a-dozen trains from Jammu today.

Since most people had little or no money, it was left to Railway officials to arrange for food and tickets home. “It was unexpected. There was very heavy rush of labourers trying to leave, on the platforms and around the station,” said Ashok Kumar Sharma, Divisional Traffic Manager, Northern Railways, Jammu. He said the Railways had provided free tickets and food to some 3,000 labourers who arrived from the Valley today.

“During the last one week, we have provided free tickets and arranged food for over 10,000 labourers who arrived here from the Valley on their way home to different parts of the country,” Sharma said.

J&K government spokesman K B Jandial also confirmed the flight from the Valley, saying the labourers were leaving the place in view of the disturbed situation and lack of work.

Parvez Alam from Supaul in Bihar, who painted buildings in the Sheikhpora locality of Srinagar, said most labourers were leaving the city in the evening because violent protests were on during daytime.

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