Thane: Why do we need e-pass to return home, ask Keralites

May 26, 2020

THANE: Thousands of Malayalees in the city who wish to return to Kerala have complained of discrimination by their home state, which has now mandated e-passes for entry via trains. The stranded Kerala natives plan to appeal to authorities to relax such norms.

The development comes in the wake of the sudden cancellation of a Shramik Special train for Ernakulum on Sunday evening, following Kerala government's insistence on e-passes for entering its borders. This requirement left nearly 1,400 passengers in the lurch as many of them are yet to get these e-passes, said a revenue official from Thane.

"Several northern states have accepted their residents but it is sad to note our home state has set restrictions on our entry. Those coming in by air are welcomed but why this discrimination against train travellers? The authorities must understand the plight of thousands stranded in Mumbai and elsewhere without an income or a roof," said Shashi Kumar Nair, who is coordinating with the authorities for trains. The Malayalee community from Thane said they have made temporary arrangements for the needy.

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Source : timesofindia.indiatimes.com