Bhaichung Bhutia has come forward and offered food and shelter to migrant workers stuck in various parts of Sikkim because of the lockdown.

“I was seeing migrant workers trying their best to reach their homes. But at this point in time, that’s not possible.

“In my unfinished building at Lumsey, Gangtok, some workers had been staying for the past few days. But they were worried about their relatives who were spending sleepless nights on the streets of Gangtok. So I told them to call their relatives and other migrant workers who are still on the streets,” Bhaichung told The Telegraph on Monday.

“The workers stuck in Gangtok are mostly from Bihar and Bengal. I haven’t done anything great for them… Just that it’s my social responsibility to help people,” Bhaichung said from Siliguri, where he has been stuck since Day I of the nationwide lockdown.

“I have been coordinating everything from Siliguri. It is a five-storied building and would easily accommodate at least 100 people. I have also requested the state government to support and help us,” he added.

The former India football captain promised that he would arrange for medical help as well for the migrant workers. “I am in touch with the local authorities. If anyone wants to avail them, then United Sikkim Football Club manager Arjun Rai has to be contacted. He will arrange everything.”

Bhaichung also praised the steps taken by Mohun Bagan and East Bengal to help coronavirus victims. “I have heard that Mohun Bagan and East Bengal contributed to the West Bengal state relief fund, while East Bengal also stood by the groundsmen of various clubs of Calcutta. These are very good gestures from the iconic clubs,” he said.

Bhaichung is happy with the way the Bengal and Sikkim governments are working to protect people from coronavirus. “I am keeping my fingers crossed. Hope we will beat the virus and move forward,” he said.