After 9 months, migrant workers abducted in Niger reach India: Official

Ranchi: After nine months of anxiety and uncertainty, families of five migrant workers from Jharkhand’s Giridih district have finally found reason for rejoicing. The workers, who were abducted in the West African nation of Niger in April last year, have been reported safe and reached India.The five workers — Chandrika Mahto, Sanjay Mahto, Raju Mahto, Faljit Mahto and Uttam Mahto — from Giridih’s Dondlo and Mundro villages went to work with Kalpataru Projects International Limited, a power transmission company.An official at the Jharkhand migrant control room said the workers have already reached India safely, and they will soon be able to meet their families. The official, however, refused to share further details about their return until they are permitted by the external affairs ministry.“They have been undergoing medical tests and other official works done after reaching India. They will soon be able to meet their families in Jharkhand,” the official added.Mahesh Kumar, the brother of Raju Mahto, told TOI on Friday that when he contacted one of the managers of Kalpataru to inquire about Raju’s whereabouts, he was informed about their safe return to India would be soon.“Since the abduction, we have been in regular contact with the company. A manager from the company informed me on Wednesday that Raju and the other abducted workers are safe in Niger and they will be sent to India. We are hearing that they have reached India, but have not been able to talk with him so far. But the news has surely brought hope to the five families, and we are impatiently waiting for their return,” Mahesh told TOI over the phone.The workers were kidnapped by some armed individuals, and since then, their whereabouts have been unknown, causing concern among their families. The anguished families, gripped by uncertainty and fear, appealed to both the central and state govts to intensify efforts to trace the missing workers and ensure their safe return to India.Meanwhile, Ajsu-P general secretary Sanjay Mehta on Friday claimed that continuous efforts by their party leaders at various levels led to the safe return of the five workers.Addressing media persons at the party office, Mehta claimed that he had written letters to the foreign affairs ministry over the matter on April 30, May 2, May 4, May 22 and May 23 last year and also to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the recent past. He stated that Ajsu-P MP Chandra Prakash Choudhary had also raised the issue in Parliament.He claimed that during the past several months, the party also put pressure on the employer company to continue payment of salaries of the kidnapped workers and also provided financial help during festivals.(With inputs from Sanjay Sahay)