After a harrowing nine-month ordeal marked by fear and uncertainty, five migrant workers from Jharkhand's Giridih district, who were kidnapped in the West African nation of Niger, have finally returned safely to India. Their homecoming has brought immense relief and joy to their families, who had been living in a state of constant anxiety since their abduction in April last year.
The Long Wait for the Families
The five workers—Chandrika Mahto, Sanjay Mahto, Raju Mahto, Faljit Mahto, and Uttam Mahto—hail from Dondlo and Mundro villages in Giridih. They were employed by Kalpataru Projects International Limited, a power transmission company, and were working in Niger when they were taken captive by armed individuals. For months, their whereabouts remained unknown, plunging their families into despair.
An official from the Jharkhand migrant control room confirmed the workers' safe arrival in India. "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 stated, while declining to share further operational details pending clearance from the Ministry of External Affairs.
Families' Relentless Efforts and Ajsu-P's Role
Mahesh Kumar, brother of abducted worker Raju Mahto, recounted the agonizing wait. He told TOI that he was 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," he said.
The distressed families had repeatedly appealed to both the central and state governments to intensify efforts to locate the men and secure their release. Meanwhile, Ajsu-P general secretary Sanjay Mehta claimed his party's persistent efforts were instrumental in the safe return. He stated that he had written multiple letters to the Ministry of External Affairs in April and May 2023 and to Prime Minister Narendra Modi more recently. He also said Ajsu-P MP Chandra Prakash Choudhary raised the issue in Parliament.
Mehta further claimed that the party pressured the employer company to continue paying the salaries of the kidnapped workers and provided financial assistance to the families during festivals over the past several months.
A Joyful Homecoming Awaits
The safe return of the five workers marks the end of a traumatic chapter for the families in Giridih. While official formalities are being completed, the community now eagerly awaits their physical reunion with their loved ones. The incident highlights the vulnerabilities faced by Indian migrant workers abroad and the complex, often lengthy, diplomatic and administrative processes involved in such rescue missions.
(With inputs from Sanjay Sahay)
