30 weavers from Keonjhar stranded in Nepal

Keonjhar: At least 30 weavers from Bangali Sahi in Keonjhar district's Fakirpur village are stranded in Nepal amid the ongoing unrest. They migrated to Kathmandu and nearby places in search of livelihood due to limited employment opportunities in their native place, and have been working in Nepal as weavers since several years.

Among those stranded are Sibaprasad Guin, Bharat Chand, Pramod Das, Parshuram Chand, Krushna Sur, Balakrushna Das, Mantu Das, Jagannath Das, Sanatan Guin and Narottam Guin, and their families have no contact with them.

"We are living in fear after learning about the situation in the media," said Madhabi Guin, whose husband is among those stranded. "I spoke to him five days ago. Now I can't reach him. We appeal to the government to take steps for their safe return," she added.

Another resident, Golapi Sura, said only six of the weavers could be contacted. "We have no information about the rest. The administration must intervene," she said.

Sub-collector of Anandpur Nilamadhaba Suna confirmed that 30 weavers from the village are currently in Nepal, many of whom have been living there for 10 to 15 years. "Their families are understandably worried, but they need not panic. The Bureau of Immigration and the Union labour department are aware of the situation and are making efforts for their safe return," he said.