Concerns Rise Over Safety of Assamese Migrant Workers Following Mysterious Death
Tragic Incident Raises Alarm
Jorhat, July 18: The recent death of a 32-year-old man from Assam in Andhra Pradesh has sparked renewed worries regarding the safety of migrant workers from the region. The victim's family suspects foul play and is calling for a comprehensive investigation.
The individual, Abhijit Sonowal, hailed from Sonowal Kachari Gaon, located under the Natun Bazar Police Outpost in Majuli district.
Sonowal was discovered dead under dubious circumstances in Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh, while he was en route to Kerala in search of job opportunities.
Family members and locals reported that Sonowal departed from his village on Tuesday with three other young men, hoping to find work outside Assam. His body was reportedly located around 11 pm on Thursday.
"Due to his financial struggles, he set out for Kerala on Tuesday. Today, we received news of his death from the police. We are still in the dark about the details. He was in good health when he left home. If he was fit enough to travel for work, there must have been some foul play involved," a local resident expressed.
The precise details surrounding Sonowal's death remain uncertain. Authorities are currently investigating, and the cause of death will be determined once the inquiry concludes.
This incident has cast a shadow over Majuli and has raised alarms about the safety of Assamese migrant workers in other states.
During the recent Budget Session of the Assam Legislative Assembly, the issue was brought to light, with Labour Welfare Minister Rameswar Teli admitting that the government lacks accurate data on Assamese workers employed outside the state.
"We will certainly consider suggestions regarding registration. We are aware of the challenges faced by workers outside the state and the rising number of fatalities," Teli stated in the Assembly.
He was responding to concerns raised by Chenga MLA Abdur Rahim Ahmed during Zero Hour, who pointed out that while 78,73,658 workers are registered with the Labour Department, the actual number of unregistered workers is likely much higher, leaving the government without a dependable estimate of Assam's migrant workforce.
Ahmed also informed the Assembly that since the launch of the Shraddhanjali Scheme in 2025, 354 deceased workers have been repatriated to Assam.
This latest death has once again underscored the need for a robust system to monitor migrant workers leaving Assam.
While initiatives like the Shraddhanjali Scheme offer support to families after tragedies occur, advocates for labor welfare have consistently argued that a comprehensive registration and tracking system is crucial to enhance the safety of workers before they encounter difficulties outside the state.