Migrant workers from the Hindi belt have been moving to various regions of India for a long time. However, the more significant mass migration we observe is in response to the opposition to the imposition of the Hindi language and culture. We have seen a forced exodus of migrant workers from Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Gujarat. In contrast, no such forced exodus has occurred from Punjab, despite the fact that migrant workers have actively participated in criminal activities there. The formation of Indian states was based on linguistic lines, and such mass migration is damaging the linguistic and cultural fabric of these states. We spoke with Sardar Sukhpal Singh Khaira, a member of the Legislative Assembly from the Bholath constituency in Punjab, who is a staunch advocate for stringent laws regarding migration.
