Odisha Labourers Allegedly Held Captive in Laos: Cry for Help

Odisha Labourers Allegedly Held Captive in Laos: Cry for Help

VoM News Desk | October 14, 2023 | 02:17 PM IST | Odisha | Follow on Google News

Odisha Labourers Allegedly Held Captive in Laos: Cry for Help

Odisha Labourers Allegedly Held Captive in Laos: Cry for Help

A group of 35 laborers from Odisha has come forward with harrowing claims that they are being held against their will by a company in Laos where they were employed. In a video message, the workers, hailing from Rajkanika block in Kendrapara district, revealed their plight, urging the government to facilitate their return to India. According to the laborers, the plywood company they were working for ceased operations approximately a month and a half ago, leaving them stranded without wages and freedom. Furthermore, the company allegedly confiscated their passports.

Desperate Pleas for Rescue

The laborers expressed their desperation in the video clip, where they detailed their dire situation, stating that they were not only deprived of wages but also prohibited from returning to their homeland. The workers, who are now in a state of severe financial distress, called on the government for assistance.

Government Action and Promised Assistance

Upon receiving notice of this distressing situation, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik swiftly directed relevant officials to take measures to bring the laborers back home. The state labor commissioner then engaged with the Indian embassy in Laos to address the issue. The embassy assured the Odisha government that it would take all necessary steps to ensure the safe return of the workers to India.

The video message was sent by the laborers to their fellow villagers, who subsequently contacted their local MLA, bringing the matter to the attention of the state government. Saroj Palai, one of the laborers held captive in Laos, spoke of their dire circumstances, stating that they were without money or food and were being prevented from returning to their homeland.

VoM News Desk

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