Employers provide security to people from Northeast in city

Companies are arranging for accommodation and pick-up and drop services.

Chanding Zimik, 22, was called home by her parents in Manipur who feared for her safety after rumours about the Northeast community being targeted spread across the country. But Zimik, a therapist at Iosis Spa and Wellness in Khar, decided not to leave, as she feels at home at her workplace after several security provisions were made by the company.

Even as the exodus of people from the Northeast states continue in several cities, many employers in the city are reassuring Northeast employees to stay back, by arranging for provisions such as pick-up and drop services and even temporary accommodation.

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At the city centres of Iosis Spa and Wellness in Khar and Ghatkopar, the 22 Northeast employees have been getting regular pick-up and drops in cars accompanied by a security guard. “The girls were scared after the recent events and many wanted to leave. We decided to offer these services to reassure them about their safety,” said Kiran Bawa, managing director, Iosis Spa and Wellness. “We have also provided accommodation to the girls in our hotel until the panic dies down,” she said.

“I feel protected because my employers have taken care to make us feel safe even when we are away from our families,” said Zimik, who has been provided temporary accommodation at the Bawa International Hotel in Khar since last week.

At And Chillies, a pan-Asian restaurant in Worli, three Nepali employees have been provided temporary accommodation. “We wanted to ensure that they stay safe and do not have to travel every day,” said Rohit Nalawade, co-owner of the restaurant, who has made makeshift arrangements for the employees in the restaurant’s storeroom.

The Four Fountains Spa, a spa salon franchise, has also taken steps to make sure the Northeast employees feel safe, after six employees left for their homes last week, including two Manipuris from its city centres. “We are convincing the employees who have left to join us soon,” said marketing director Sunil Rao. “We have also offered our employees pick-up and drop services for the next few days,” he added.