A group of 53 labourers, who had sneaked out of neighbouringstates through snow-peaked mountain passes amid the lockdown, were dischargedfrom a hospital in Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday aftercompleting their quarantine period.
The labourers, all local residents, were intercepted whilesneaking out from Punjab and Himachal Pradesh, and were sent to the 14-dayquarantine facility, officials said.
All these labourers were returning from Punjab and HimachalPradesh when the lockdown was imposed to prevent the spread of coronavirus.Instead of staying back, they took an alternative route to reach theirdestination, but ended up at the sub-district hospital, the officials said.
Upon discharge, they were transported to their respectiveareas in busses arranged by the district administration besides providing thempacked lunches, they said.
Expressing their gratitude to the administration, thelabourers said they were earlier frightened to be quarantined.
After completing the quarantine period, we felt that it isnot only necessary for our own safety, but for the well being of our familiesand the community, a labourer said.