INDORE: Told at the state border that only those walking on the road would be allowed any further, a migrant worker cut off the plaster from his fractured leg and began hobbling his way home on Monday.

has over 240km of agony left before he can get to his home in

.

Pictures of him sitting on the road and cutting off his plaster cast went viral in the morning, mirroring the plight of thousands of migrant workers headed both ways. While most are returning to

from neighbouring states, Bhawarlal is going from

in MP’s

to

in Rajasthan.

He was among the hundreds stopped at the border in

of Madhya Pradesh on Monday and told that only pedestrians would be allowed any further, say sources. They had gathered on the border in the hope that the administration of either state would provide them transport, but their hopes were dashed.

Bhawarlal looked at his plaster cast – he has three toes and his ankle fractured – and picked up a pair of scissors.

“I have come this far (500km) in a vehicle and am desperate to reach my family and my hometown. I realise police have stopped movement of people on the border as a security measure but I have no option. My family is alone and I have no work so I can’t send them any money. have to cut the plaster and walk to my native place, around 242km away,” he said.

In a matter of fact way, he explained: “The plaster weighs over 2kg. I can limp better without it.”

Tehsildar Mukesh Bamaniya, who was deployed on the border, said, “Following instructions, all the borders have been sealed and movement of vehicles stopped.” Those staying at the border will be provided food and water, but no other arrangement, including transportation, was available, he added.