Modi apologises to India's poor as lockdown criticism mounts


  • World
  • Sunday, 29 Mar 2020

Migrant workers walk towards a bus station along a highway with their families as they return to their villages, during a 21-day nationwide lockdown to limit the spreading of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in Ghaziabad, on the outskirts of New Delhi, March 29, 2020. REUTERS/Adnan Abidi

MUMBAI (Reuters) - Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi asked the nation's poor for forgiveness on Sunday, as the economic and human toll from his 21-day nationwide lockdown deepens and criticism mounts about a lack of adequate planning ahead of the decision.

Modi on Tuesday announced a three week-lockdown to curb the spread of coronavirus. But, the decision has particularly stung millions of India's poor, leaving many hungry and forcing tens of thousands of jobless migrant labourers to walk hundreds of kilometres from cities to their native villages.

The Star Christmas Special Promo: Save 35% OFF Yearly. T&C applies.

Monthly Plan

RM 13.90/month

Best Value

Annual Plan

RM 12.33/month

RM 8.02/month

Billed as RM 96.20 for the 1st year, RM 148 thereafter.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In World

Cultural event held in Cairo to celebrate World Arabic Language Day
UK's Starmer discusses Ukraine peace efforts in call with Trump
8 killed in floods in Iran over past week: Red Crescent
2 killed in car-train collision in SW Poland
Serbia's students protest against university pressure after railway station tragedy
France to build new aircraft carrier, Macron tells troops based in Gulf
US pursuing third oil tanker near Venezuela, officials say
Australia falls silent, lights candles for Bondi Beach shooting victims
Trump set to expand immigration crackdown in 2026 despite brewing backlash
Long lines at the food pantry: Inflation tests Trump’s base in Michigan

Others Also Read