India-Pakistan Tensions Trigger Exodus of Migrant Workers to Home States

The violation of ceasefire and the continued cross-border exchange between India and Pakistan are beginning to take a toll on agriculture in Punjab, as the migrant workers are fleeing to their native states, fearing the outbreak of war.

The 2024 World Migration Report, published by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), states that war is a major driver of migration, causing both internal and external displacement within countries and international migration across borders.  

Migration Disrupts Farm Activity

According to The Tribune, this time of the year typically sees an influx of migrant labourers from other states, especially for paddy cultivation. However, this year paints a starkly different picture. The number of incoming workers for the transplantation season is reportedly near zero, while many existing migrant workers in Punjab are returning to their home amid fears of escalating tensions.

Citing a labour organisation leader, TOI reported that the current war-like situation has revived memories of the pandemic-induced trauma among workers. Amid the unrest, many are receiving urgent calls from family members, asking them to come back.

Due to a sudden rush to return to their natives homes from Ludhiana, the train fares, usually around Rs 800 to Rs 1,000, have surged to as high as Rs 2,500 per person, reported TOI. While some workers managed to secure seats and leave, others struggled to find train tickets amid the heavy demand.

As per a report by Mongabay, Punjab shares a 553 km International Border (IB) with Pakistan spanning six districts – Amritsar, Gurdaspur, Fazilka, Ferozepur, Pathankot and Tarn Taran, out of which 461 km is fenced.

Pakistan initiated a series of attacks just a few hours after agreeing to a ceasefire with India. "In the last few hours, there have been repeated violations of the understanding arrived at earlier this evening between the directors general of military operations of India and Pakistan. This is a breach of the understanding arrived at earlier today," said Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri during the media briefing.

India and Pakistan had agreed to a ceasefire on May 10 after US mediated the talks to end the military confrontation between the two countries in decades. Officials from both countries also formally confirmed the de-escalation to ease border tensions. However, within hours, Pakistan breached the agreement, launching a drone and missile attack. As per reports, loud explosions were heard in Srinagar.